FORMULATION OF A FRAMEWORK TO FACILITATE ACQUISITION OF POLICE CLEARANCE CERTIFICATES GATHERS PACE

By Martha Munyambu

The State Department for Correctional Services is working on a framework to facilitate acquisition of Police Clearance Certificates for reformed offenders upon completion of their sentences, as part of ongoing efforts aimed at strengthening rehabilitation and successful reintegration into society.

A multi-sectoral committee on police clearance certificates for ex-offenders, chaired by the Principal Secretary for Correctional Services, Dr Salome Muhia-Beacco, bringing together representatives from relevant government agencies, development partners, human rights organisations and other stakeholders is working on the reform agenda.

The committee is tasked with developing a comprehensive plan to guide the process, including preparing the Terms of Reference and a concept note.

The proposed framework seeks to address legal and societal barriers that ex-offenders face, particularly in accessing formal employment, education and economic opportunities after serving their sentences.

Speaking during the session, stakeholders emphasised that obtaining a clean record remains one of the largest hurdles standing between reformed offenders and successful reintegration into society.

To strengthen technical output, the committee proposed engaging an independent consultant to provide specialised guidance in crafting the framework and supporting implementation.