By Suleman Chitera
The relocation of the Malawi Prison Service headquarters from Lilongwe to Zomba has reached an advanced and irreversible stage, prison authorities have confirmed, marking a decisive shift in the government’s decentralisation drive.
The move follows an executive order issued in October by President Peter Mutharika, directing the return of key government institutions from the capital, Lilongwe, to their original cities—a policy aimed at restoring administrative balance and decongesting the capital.
Speaking to MIJ Online, Malawi Prison Service spokesperson Steve Meke said the relocation process is firmly on course, with all stakeholders working in close coordination.
Meke described the level of government backing as “overwhelming,” noting that logistical, administrative, and operational arrangements are progressing smoothly.
“We are confident the relocation will be completed within the stipulated timeframe,” he said, adding that the move will enhance operational efficiency while reaffirming Zomba’s historical role as a key administrative centre.
The relocation of the Prison Service headquarters is among the most significant institutional shifts under the executive order, signalling the administration’s determination to translate policy directives into concrete action rather than rhetoric.
As implementation accelerates, the development underscores a broader message: the return of government functions to their rightful homes is no longer a plan on paper, but a process firmly underway.
