Nairobi — The level of security in the country's penal institutions leaves a lot to be desired.

According to a report by a committee appointed to investigate the prison crisis in the country, inmates are tempted to dash for freedom by the paucity of security and in some cases through collusion with warders.

The Madoka committee cites a 2007 incident in which eight inmates escaped from Naivasha, scaling two high perimeter fences unnoticed. It says no photographs are circulated to the press and the public to help in identification of escapees.

"The situation points to huge lapses in the form of weak and dilapidated perimeter fences, rickety watch towers, insecure gates, dangerous electricity connections in residential shanties and congested accommodation quarters partitioned with plastic," the committee says.

The committee recommends that perimeter fences be fortified and cites prisons such as Kisii, Shimo la Tewa Medium, Machakos and Bungoma as those in dire need. "They are currently exposed and accessible from any direction," the Madoka team says.

It also proposes that perimeter fences at Naivasha and Kibos require reinforcement if the facilities are to continue holding hardcore criminals.

The report also calls for the installation of Closed Circuit Television in prisons. "This will put a stop to smuggling, drug abuse and same sex sexual liaisons."

Inmates, the report says, keep and operate mobile phones with impunity. "They even call members of the public demanding airtime and ransom. It is imperative that a facility to disable cell phones be installed," the report says.