MOMBASA, Kenya—Members of the National Assembly Committee on Administration and Internal Security have raised concern over poor housing and sanitation conditions at the General Service Unit (GSU) camp in Mombasa, terming the facilities unfit for officers serving in a critical national security unit.
During an oversight visit led by Committee Chairperson Gabriel Tongoyo (Narok West), the lawmakers inspected the camp and found overcrowded living quarters, leaking roofs, and inadequate sanitation facilities.
The committee observed that in some blocks, up to eight officers share a single room with no partitions, raising concerns over privacy, dignity, and welfare. Several buildings were also found to have deteriorating roofs that leak during rainfall, worsening living conditions.
The lawmakers further noted the absence of proper bathing facilities, with officers relying on congested and poorly maintained shared amenities, alongside makeshift mess areas that fall below acceptable standards.
“What we have witnessed here is deeply concerning. There is no dignity in expecting officers to serve this country effectively while living in such conditions,” said Tongoyo.
He noted that although the structures are still standing, their condition has been compromised by leaking roofs and lack of partitioning. “A single room shared by eight officers is unacceptable in modern Kenya,” he added.
Tongoyo pledged to push for urgent interventions, including the replacement of leaking roofs and engagement with the State Department for Housing to construct modern housing units under the Affordable Housing Program.
Vice Chairperson Dido Raso (Saku) described the situation as a serious welfare concern that must be addressed urgently, warning that poor living conditions affect morale and operational efficiency.
“Our officers cannot continue to live like this. These are men and women who risk their lives daily. The least we can do is provide decent shelter,” he said.
Husssein Weytan (Mandera East) said the sanitation facilities were inadequate, citing reliance on shared bathing areas lacking privacy and proper maintenance.
Caroline Ngelechei (Elgeyo Marakwet) stressed that the conditions undermine the dignity of officers, while Oku Kaunya (Teso North) and Mburu Kahangara (Lari) called for expedited budgetary allocations to address the situation.
Kaunya said the committee would push for immediate funding for renovations and new construction, while Kahangara noted that officers continue to serve diligently despite the difficult conditions.
Speaking on behalf of GSU Commandant George Nderitu, officials welcomed the oversight visit and expressed optimism over the proposed reforms.
“We appreciate the committee for witnessing our situation firsthand. Their assurance that housing conditions will improve gives our officers hope,” he said.
The visit forms part of the committee’s wider mandate to assess the welfare of security agencies and recommend policy and budgetary interventions aimed at improving working and living conditions for officers.
