Correctional Services Principal Secretary Dr Salome Beacco has pledged emergency support for Kenya Prisons Service (KPS) officers affected by a fire that swept through the staff lines at Lang’ata Women Maximum Prison on Wednesday night.
Speaking on Thursday morning while visiting the 30 families affected by the inferno, PS Beacco said plans are already underway to construct semi-permanent houses to shelter those displaced by the fire.
PS Beacco also assured that the government is working on resolving the housing challenge facing officers from the Kenya Prisons Service. She was accompanied by Commissioner General of Prisons Patrick Aranduh.
On Wednesday April 1, 2026, at approximately 7:30 p.m., a fire gutted staff quarters at Lang’ata Women Maximum Prison, destroying 30 housing units.
According to the Commissioner General Kenya Prisons Service, no property was salvaged from the affected units. KPS however, confirmed that no casualties or injuries were reported following the incident.
“Emergency response teams acted swiftly to contain the fire and prevent further spread. The Kenya Prisons Service extends its sincere appreciation to the County Government Fire Brigade, the Kenya Defence Forces Headquarters (DoD), and the Kahawa Garrison Fire Engines for their prompt, coordinated, and effective response in bringing the situation under control,” a statement from KPS read.
The service further noted that security within the staff quarters has been reinforced by officers drawn from Nairobi West Prison, Jamhuri Prison, and Nairobi Medium Prison, to ensure continued safety and order in the affected area, with investigations into the cause of the fire currently underway.
