CORRECTIONAL SERVICES PS UNDERSCORE ROLE OF COMMUNITY SERVICE ORDERS

By Nicholas Kigondu

Correctional Services Principal Secretary Dr. Salome Beacco has called for more impactful Community Service Orders programmes designed to rehabilitate offenders while at the same time benefiting the community.

Speaking in Machakos County during a meeting with members of the Community Service Orders National Executive Committee, the PS said it was imperative for such programmes to contribute to public good.

“We must never lose sight of the fact that justice, at its highest form, is not about retaliation, it is about restoration. It is about giving people a second chance, without compromising the safety and wellbeing of our communities.” She implored.

She said the success of community service orders is dependent on proper supervision and community engagement even as she called for consistency and commitment.

Saying that effective implementation of community service orders programmes could save the country significant amounts of money, the PS urged for enhanced stakeholder collaboration including with county governments.

Speaking at the same forum, community service orders chairperson Lady justice Margaret Muigai said community service orders programme promotes a sure pathway to holistic transformation. She said the committee is in the process of identifying gaps in the implementation of community service orders to ensure its effectiveness.

Probation and Aftercare Service Secretary Dr. Christine Obondi said the programme is adopting a different paradigm to enhance its effectiveness.