GOVERNMENT PRIORITIZING REHABILITATION AND RE-INTEGRATION OF OFFENDERS
GOVERNMENT PRIORITIZING REHABILITATION AND RE-INTEGRATION OF OFFENDERS
By Pili Chimerah
State Department for Correctional Services Principal Secretary Dr. Salome Beacco says mechanisms have been put in place to ensure effective rehabilitation of offenders.
The new approach according to the PS involves modernization of prison industries and enterprises that will ensure inmates are equipped with requisite and modern skills that will give them a competitive edge which will in turn reduce cases of recidivism once they are released.
Speaking during a tour of the Kericho probation station, Kericho main prison, Kericho medium and women prisons, the PS said the move is part of ongoing reforms targeting correctional facilities across the country.
"These visits are part of the President's clarion call of the Bottom-up Economic Transformation Agenda, which requires us to go to the field to inspect prisons and to find out whether the Performance Contracts that we signed are being implemented.” Said the PS.
To help in decongesting prisons, the PS directed a list of inmates with sentences below 5 years be forwarded to her office so that the cases can be reviewed. She urged the staff from both Probation and Aftercare Service and Kenya Prisons Service to take up responsibility and leadership skills for effective service delivery.
Addressing Probation officers at Kericho Probation Station, she appreciated their professionalism even as she urged them to enhance quality and do justice to the cases they handle.
“Be the best in what you do. Let’s show gratitude for the opportunity by going beyond the call of duty.” Implored the PS.
She urged them to incorporate the one government approach and enhance the working relationship with KPS for effective service delivery.
"Am urging you to adopt the one government approach and work hand in hand with KPS to improve service delivery," she said.
While addressing prison officers at the Kericho medium Prison, she urged them to go beyond the call of duty in the service to the nation.
Addressing the inmates, the PS urged them to practice high level of cleanliness and endeavor to be good citizens once they are released from prison.
“Use your time in prison to reflect on your life and chart a new course. Be prisoners of hope and don’t give up. Your dreams are valid.” She told the inmates.
She promised that the government will do its best to improve Correctional facilities in spite of the tight fiscal space.
She was accompanied by KPS Deputy Commissioner General Nicholas Maswai, Secretary PACS Christine Obondi and other senior officials from the state department for correctional services.