About 6,700 prisoners in Kenya have been pardoned in a move aimed at easing congestion in the East African state.
President Mwai kibaki Friday signed the release order.
The released include first time offenders serving nine months or less and minor offenders serving six months or less and of good conduct.
According to a statement from Predents office, consideration was made following recommendation to ease congestion of prisoners in the penal institutions.
“In exercise of the powers conferred upon me by Section 27 of the old Constitution read together with Article 133 of the new Constitution and the provisions relating to suspension of provisions of the new Constitution under the Sixth Schedule, Clause 2(1)(c) do hereby grant to the said… remission of the unexpired portion of their sentences,” read the PPS statement.
The President pardoned 2,850 petty offenders, 2,586 first time offenders, 1,227 ordinary prisoners of good conduct with a balance sentence of nine months or less to serve, and 37 prisoners aged 65 years and confirmed terminally ill.
It is estimated that the cost of food for prisoners alone per year is more than Sh1.7 billion. This amount excludes the medical, clothing, staff and accommodation expenses.
Kenya prison population is estimated at about 49,000 more than double its official capacity of 22,000.
According to the International Centre for Prison Studies, as at year 2011 South Africa tops African countries in the total prison population followed by Ethiopia, Egypt, Rwanda, Morocco, Algeria and Nigeria in that order, with Kenya coming eighth.
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