Forensic Nursing in Correctional Settings in Kenya

Serah Wanjiru Wachira; Joyce Jebet Cheptum; Isabel Kambo; Eunice Ndirangu-Mugo; Irene Gacheri Mageto

doi:10.1201/9781003754923-7

Forensic Nursing in Correctional Settings in Kenya

Serah Wanjiru Wachira
, Joyce Jebet Cheptum
, Isabel Kambo
, Eunice Ndirangu-Mugo
, Irene Gacheri Mageto

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceeding › Chapter › peer-review

Abstract

Correctional healthcare occupies a critical and complex interface between health systems, legal accountability, and human rights. In Kenya, forensic nurses working in prisons are uniquely positioned to uphold constitutional guarantees of health for incarcerated individuals, provide trauma-informed and evidence-based care, and ensure meticulous forensic documentation that may carry legal implications. Correctional environments in Kenya are shaped by systemic challenges such as overcrowding, limited infrastructure, high prevalence of infectious diseases, and elevated mental health needs (1). This chapter situates forensic nursing within this landscape, delineating the scope of practice, ethical and legal imperatives, common health challenges, multidisciplinary collaboration, and future directions for strengthening correctional health services. A detailed case study with discussion questions is also provided to support critical thinking and application for students and practitioners.

Original language	English (US)
Title of host publication	Coresource 4
Publisher	CRC Press
Pages	75-84
Number of pages	10
ISBN (Electronic)	9781003754923
ISBN (Print)	9781041268192, 9781041273264
DOIs	https://doi.org/10.1201/9781003754923-7
Publication status	Published - 2026
Externally published	Yes

UN SDGs

This output contributes to the following UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

SDG 3 Good Health and Well-being

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10.1201/9781003754923-7

Cite this

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AU - Cheptum, Joyce Jebet

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AU - Ndirangu-Mugo, Eunice

AU - Mageto, Irene Gacheri

N1 - Publisher Copyright: © 2027 selection and editorial matter, Irene Gacheri Mageto, Eunice Ndirangu-Mugo, Joyce Jebet Cheptum, Serah Wanjiru Wachira, and Isabel Kambo; individual chapters, the contributors.

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AB - Correctional healthcare occupies a critical and complex interface between health systems, legal accountability, and human rights. In Kenya, forensic nurses working in prisons are uniquely positioned to uphold constitutional guarantees of health for incarcerated individuals, provide trauma-informed and evidence-based care, and ensure meticulous forensic documentation that may carry legal implications. Correctional environments in Kenya are shaped by systemic challenges such as overcrowding, limited infrastructure, high prevalence of infectious diseases, and elevated mental health needs (1). This chapter situates forensic nursing within this landscape, delineating the scope of practice, ethical and legal imperatives, common health challenges, multidisciplinary collaboration, and future directions for strengthening correctional health services. A detailed case study with discussion questions is also provided to support critical thinking and application for students and practitioners.

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BT - Coresource 4

PB - CRC Press

ER -

Forensic Nursing in Correctional Settings in Kenya

Abstract

UN SDGs

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