CORRECTIONAL SERVICES PS HOLDS MEETING WITH PSC COMMISSIONERS

By Nicholas Kigondu

Correctional Services Principal Secretary Dr. Salome Beacco says the department has instituted a host of reforms aimed at addressing current human resource challenges amid shifting institutional demands.

Speaking during a meeting with Commissioners from the Public Service Commission, who were accompanied by a technical team from the Commission, the PS said the department is aligning its operations with best human resource processes for optimum efficiency.

The reforms, according to the PS, are aimed at attracting and retaining top talent, managing employee engagement, adapting to technological changes, and ensuring compliance with current legal frameworks.

“Our mission is to have a corrections service of excellence, not just within the region but globally. We take your guidance seriously as it will help us improve our levels of service delivery.” Noted the PS.

While lauding ongoing efforts to adopt best HR practices by the state department, Commissioners Harun M. Hassan, Boya Molu and Mwanamaka Mabruki, advocated for a focus on well-being of employees and effective performance management which include training and competitive compensation.

The commissioners said the commission has opted to engage the leadership of all ministries, departments and agencies to get first-hand information on gaps and challenges that require redress. According to the commissioners, the commission plans to actively seek feedback from civil servants on various aspects of their work through an online platform.

The State department for Correctional Services is seeking collaborative approaches to address existing gaps in education within corrections.

In an effort to address the challenges that have resulted in a mismatch between curriculum and inmate needs, Correctional Services PS Dr. Salome Beacco held a consultative meeting with her Basic education counterpart Professor Julius Bitok to explore alternative modalities within the Ministry.

This includes collaborative government mechanisms that may allow support for leaners within correctional facilities whether through reallocation of eligible resources, parallel funding, or strategic partnership frameworks.

During the meeting, PS Beacco expressed her department’s commitment to rehabilitate and reintegrate offenders into society through formal education.