CORRECTIONAL SERVICES PS CALLS FOR ENHANCED COLLABORATION AMONG LEGAL SECTOR STAKEHOLDERS

By Nicholas Kigondu

Correctional Services Principal Secretary Dr. Salome Beacco is calling for enhanced collaboration among legal sector stakeholders to improve access to justice within correctional institutions.

Speaking during a meeting with representatives from the National Council for Law Reporting, Justice Defenders and Oraro & Company advocates, the PS said there was need for more coordinated engagements, mentorship and provision of legal resources for those deprived of liberty.

She said such collaboration will ensure cases are resolved fairly and expeditiously, upholding the rule of law while protecting constitutional rights to timely hearings.

“If we come together and collaborate, correctional institutions will be the home of second chances,” observed the PS.

She said the department has prioritized key reforms aimed at enhancing access to justice and respect for human dignity by promoting non-custodial sentences, rehabilitation programs and the decongestion of facilities to improve the administration of justice.

National Council for Law Reporting editor Janet Munywoki said such collaborative engagements can result in better outcomes even as she called for a need to champion public litigation matters.

Present during the meeting were Pamela Ager of Oraro & Company Advocates and Country Programme Manager at Justice Defenders Kenya Hamisi Mzari.