By Joy Riungu

Probation Officers listening in during the closing ceremony of the in-person Induction Program at KSG Baringo. Photo: Collins williams

On Friday 17th February 2022 the Principal Secretary closed the in-person blended induction program at Kenya School of Government, Baringo.

The Principal Secretary was accompanied by the Secretary, Probation and Aftercare Service, Mary Mbau (HSC), Director of Kenya School of Government Dr. Solomon Letangule, among other senior officials from the State Department.

The blended induction is a six weeks’ program designed to prepare newly recruited Probation Officers for probation work through online and face to face learning.

Two hundred and thirty Probation Officers underwent the online training, which culminated in a week-long in-person learning that was attended in three groups.

In her remarks during the closing ceremony of the in-person learning for the last group of Probation Officers, the Principal Secretary informed the officers that they would be expected to come up with strategies for managing offenders from further commission of a crime in order to provide a safe environment for all.

“You are expected to work at all times in ensuring a just, safe, secure and crime-free society,” the PS said. 

The Principal Secretary asked the officers to be mindful of balancing between the rights of the offenders or accused persons on one hand, and the rights of victims on the other. As this was important in facilitating the administration of justice.

The Officers, who had already been stationed in various Probation Offices throughout the country, expressed their confidence and eagerness to work following their induction into Service.

The Principal Secretary welcomed the officers to the State Department and called upon them to continually increase their knowledge and skills, and she later led a tree-planting exercise.