By Margaret Wanjiru Theuri.
PS, Hon. Safina Kwekwe (in red scarf) together with other officers and the newly recruited Probation Officers at the launch of the in-person induction program at KSG, Embu
The Principal Secretary for the State Department for Correctional Services, Hon. Safina Kwekwe presided over the official opening of the in-person induction program for probation officers at Kenya School of Government in Embu, on Monday 30th May,2022.
300 probation officers are expected to be inducted in different Kenya School of Government specifically in Embu, Baringo and Mombasa.
In her speech, the PS Correctional, Safina Kwekwe congratulated the probation officers for completing the first phase and urged them to have an objective approach to the course so as to affirm good probation practices and correct any malpractices.
“Your recruitment has almost doubled the number of staff in Probation Service, this is projected to facilitate the increased use of non-custodial sanctions by the judiciary and facilitate supervision of offenders placed on non-custodial sanctions, rehabilitation, reintegration and resettlement of offenders in the community,” she said
The PS also acknowledged some of the challenges that the officers encounter in their field stations such as mobility problems, access to adequate computers and printers and office accommodation and gave them assurance that changes would be noted and improvements would be made.
“You will begin to see some changes in the coming financial year, as some of these items have factored in the budget and in particular acquiring of vehicles is at advanced stage,” she stated.
Hon. Safina Kwekwe instructed that they work closely with officers in National Government Administration Officers (NGAO) who play a critical role in ensuring offenders are supervised and reintegrated back in their communities. She also encouraged them to uphold high level of integrity, stern against corruption and uphold established government protocols and procedures in their operations.
In her final remarks, the PS recognized the support of the European Union through Program for Legal Empowerment and Aid Delivery in Kenya, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, the Kenya School of Government for putting the program together.
The induction process is a compulsory course for all public officers as it introduces new staff to Government and its processes.
In attendance were The Secretary, Probation and After Care Service, Mrs. Mary Mbau, The Director KSG, Embu campus Madam Ann Kangethe among others.
Group photo at the opening of the in-person phase of the induction program.