CORRECTIONAL SERVICES PS TOURS BUNGOMA GK PRISON AND PROBATION STATION

By Phillip Kitili

The government is spearheading critical reforms aimed at transforming the country’s correctional system.
Correctional Services Principal Secretary Dr. Salome Beacco says the deliberate shift seeks to ensure complete reformation and rehabilitation of offenders while at the same time support the government’s Bottom up Economic Transformation Agenda.
Speaking in Bungoma County during a tour of the region’s correctional facilities, the Principal Secretary said the ongoing reforms are in line with the nation’s bold targets as set out by President William Ruto.
 “It is a clarion call for each one of us to take responsibility and ensure that our policies translate into tangible outcomes. As a department, we have embraced this directive fully, integrating policy assessment into our operational culture.” She noted.
She said the department has recorded tremendous gains in the recent past including ongoing plans on institutional housing, land use, welfare of officers, legal and policy reforms, dignity for those in custody as well as the planned digitization of all its operations.  
“We must always remember that our interventions are not merely for the present but for the future: the future of victims seeking closure, of offenders seeking redemption, and of communities seeking cohesion and safety.” She said.
Addressing inmates at the Bungoma GK prison, the PS urged those serving time at the facility to take the chance and reflect on their lives with the sole aim of becoming better citizens once they leave Prison.
“Prison gives you time; to reflect, to learn and to grow. There are opportunities here: education programs, vocational training, and spiritual nourishment. These are tools to help you rebuild. Do not waste them.” She told the inmates.
While lauding the efforts of both prison officers and probation officers, the PS urged the officers to remain committed to the cause of reforming, rehabilitating and ensuring successful re-integration of offenders back in the society.
“Our gathering here today is a deliberate exercise to evaluate our progress, assess our challenges, and reaffirm our collective commitment to the policies that guide our service delivery. Policy implementation is not a one- off activity; it is a continuous journey of aligning our actions with our vision.” She implored.
She was accompanied by Commissioner General of Prisons Patrick Aranduh, Probation and Aftercare Service Secretary Dr. Christine Obondi,  Bungoma County Commissioner Thomas Sankei and other senior officers from the State Department for Correctional Services.