CORRECTIONAL SERVICES PS HOLDS MEETING WITH KENYA PRISONS SERVICE LEADERSHIP

By Nicholas Kigondu

Prudent utilization of resources, staff welfare and envisaged reforms at the State Department for Correctional Services characterized discussions during a meeting between Correctional Services Principal Secretary Dr. Salome Beacco and the Kenya Prisons Service leadership.

In the 2026 inaugural meeting with KPS Directors, Regional commanders, and officers in charges, held at the Prisons Staff Training College in Ruiru and attended by the Commissioner General of Prisons Patrick Aranduh, the PS said the engagement was critical in assessing the performance of the State Department over the last one year while looking into the future.

While urging the officers to maintain fidelity to professionalism, the PS urged staff to remain firm, fair, and consistent, and always be guided by the law in the execution of their duties.

” Corruption, abuse of office, negligence, or any breach of duty will attract decisive administrative, disciplinary, or legal action.” The PS told the forum.

The PS appreciated the senior officers for going beyond the call of duty to ensure the dream of realizing a correctional service of excellence remains feasible, even as she challenged the officers to intensify efforts aimed at ensuring that the vision becomes a reality.

“Ultimately, the outcomes of our policy initiatives, reforms, and performance pledges are determined by the institutional leadership you champion daily” she observed.

She urged the officers to find innovative solutions to address existing problems, including enhanced engagement with stakeholders. She noted that the government has implemented measures to improve their welfare, such as housing and the provision of vehicles for mobility.

She at the same time urged the officers to prioritize the implementation of Presidential Directives, including environmental conservation, saying the target of growing trees, promoting sustainability, reflects the Service’s role in national development beyond prison walls.

While lauding the efforts of the directors, regional commanders and officers in charge for their efforts, Commissioner General of Prisons Patrick Aranduh urged them to enhance productivity and ensure prudent utilization of resources.

During the meeting, the officers were also sensitized on best financial management practices by a group of experts drawn from local financial institutions.