Cabinet minister Beth Mugo's confirmation that the nine deaths at Kamiti Maximum Prison were caused by cholera is significant in two ways.

First, it should jolt the authorities into action so that they can seek permanent solution to frequent epidemic outbreaks, in public places.

This is not the first time a prison has to deal with such a crisis. It is quite common and underlines a fundamental issue, namely poor living and hygiene conditions in penal institutions.

Two, the outbreak is not limited to Kamiti. Cases of cholera have been reported in Nairobi's slums, and all indications are that the situation may get worse unless urgent action is taken to contain the spread.

On the whole, the point we are making is that the country has not dealt conclusively with cholera. It keeps springing up in one region or the other, and in all the cases, the response is mere fire-fighting instead of seeking a sustainable solution.

Yet, it is clearly understood that cholera is a consequence of poor hygiene and sanitation. Not surprisingly, it hits prisons and slums where living conditions are appalling.

Consequently, eliminating it requires adherence to high standards of cleanliness, but this is hardly possible in penal institutions where those affected cannot make any choices on what to eat and even when to wash their hands if at all.