PS SALOME BEACCO: DECONGESTING PRISONS AMONG TOP PRIORITIES

By Martha Munyambu

The State Department for Correctional Services has prioritized decongesting the country’s prisons as part of ongoing reforms targeting correctional facilities.

Speaking at the Isiolo main Prison during the official commissioning of a gate lodge, perimeter wall and watch towers, Correctional Services Principal Secretary Dr. Salome Beacco noted that the Department is working closely with the judiciary through the Community Service Orders even as she urged inmates to seek review of their cases as well as make good use of Probation officers.

She said those who are released by the courts, through case reviews, are committed to community work with county administrations supervising offenders under the support of probation officers in arrangement meant to enhance efficiency and productivity.

In her address to prison officers at the facility, the PS urged them to embrace transformative leadership and strive to enhance standards in line with her vision of having the department become a correctional service of excellence in Africa. 

With the Isiolo prison command now having a new gate lodge, watch towers and a perimeter wall, the PS said the milestone marked the completion of essential infrastructure aimed at enhancing safety and efficiency at the facility expressing the government’s commitment to modernize correctional facilities across the country. 

The PS had begun her tour at the Isiolo Probation office where she addressed Officers and pledged her support. 

Accompanying the PS was Secretary Probation and Aftercare Dr. Christine Obondi, National chairperson community service orders Lady Justice Lillian Mutende among other senior officers from the State Department.