SDCS TO PARTNER WITH NOC-K IN SPORTS DEVELOPMENT

By Nicholas Kigondu

The State Department for Correctional Services is exploring collaboration with the National Olympics Committee of Kenya (NOC-K) as it seeks to leverage on the power of sports in its rehabilitation and reformation agenda.

Speaking during a meeting with officials from NOC-K, Principal Secretary Dr. Salome Beacco said the envisaged partnership is aimed at advancing sports development within correctional facilities including the planned establishment of the Kenya Prisons Service Sports academy at the Nairobi West prison.

With the state Department for Correctional Services priding itself of producing outstanding sports talent who have represented the country in various fields, the PS said the department is seeking strategic partnerships to further enhance sports within the correctional system.

According to the PS, the department has identified recreational sports as a key pillar in efforts aimed at rehabilitating and re-integrating offenders back into the society saying evidence indicate that those who participate in sports activities in correctional facilities tend to develop and improve their social skills.

“This is part of our mandate of reforming and rehabilitating offenders, which cannot be realized by only concentrating on formal and vocational training but by also including sporting activities.” Observed the PS.

Citing last year’s Intercontinental Online Chess Championship for Prisoners, where Kenya participated, the PS said sports is an important social pillar which can be used as a tool for education and social inclusion across the country’s correctional facilities.

While expressing commitment to support the state department develop sports infrastructure, National Olympic Committee Secretary General Francis Mutuku said the committee will explore possible areas of collaboration including technical training as well as helping former prison staff athletes in their transition.

Among the areas of partnership include collaboration in the planned development of the prison sports academy, capacity building that includes technical training of prison coaches through the coaches’ education programme, educating and advocating for sustainability programmes as well as the integration of the Olympic values education programme.