CORRECTIONAL SERVICE WEEK 2024 KICKS OFF AMID RENEWED OPTIMISM 

By Pili Chimerah 

Calls for sustainable strategies to address mental health and wellness among those in the correctional system reverberated at the opening of the correctional service week 2024.

Speaking as he opened the conference themed Mental Health and Wellness for Effective Service Delivery, Investment, Trade and Industry Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya said it was paramount to operationalize the national guidelines for mental health and wellness across all correctional facilities in the country.

“These guidelines are vital because they do not just address treatment—they emphasize prevention and the creation of environments that nurture emotional well-being for both staff and inmates. Our challenge, and our goal, is to ensure that these guidelines are fully operationalized across all correctional facilities in the country, "he observed.

This even as he underscored the need to give special attention to special needs offenders emphasizing on their vulnerability. 

“A particularly critical area is the care of special needs offenders, especially those with disabilities or unique mental health conditions. These individuals require specialized interventions, and we are committed to ensuring that they receive the care they deserve within our facilities, "he said. 

Mvurya at the same time pledged his ministry’s commitment to support the state department for correctional services by providing strategic opportunities to tap into the potential of the prison industry through harnessing the potential of the value chain.

“We pledge to offer sustainable support systems in the form of investment and value chain through ongoing government efforts to encourage rural industrialization.” He said.

Speaking at the same forum, State Department for Correctional Services Principal Secretary Dr. Salome M-Beacco said this year’s correctional service week seeks to promote an inclusive work environment, awareness creation on mental health, mobilizing resources and support for mental health and also empowering staff to embrace new approaches to tackle mental health. 

“Mental health is not only vital for personal well-being but is also essential for effective service delivery. The stressors and challenges faced by correctional officers are unique, and if left unattended, professionalism may be compromised in the long run.” She told the forum.

The first day of the conference also featured presentations and discussions on mental health and wellness by experts and officers from the State Department for correctional services as well as exhibitions of products and best practices by the department.

The event was attended by over ten Principal Secretaries from other state departments in a demonstration of the whole of government approach in driving of the national government’s agenda.