CORRECTIONAL SERVICES PS ROOTS FOR MORE PARTNERSHIPS TO ADDRESS CONGESTION WITHIN PRISONS
CORRECTIONAL SERVICES PS ROOTS FOR MORE PARTNERSHIPS TO ADDRESS CONGESTION WITHIN PRISONS
By Martha Munyambu
The government has reaffirmed its commitment to improve conditions within correctional facilities through targeted reforms.
Speaking during a tour of correctional facilities located in Nyandarua and Laikipia Counties, Correctional Services Principal Secretary Dr. Salome M. Beacco said the envisaged reforms include the review of legal and policy frameworks meant to decongest the country’s correctional centres.
Accompanied by the Commissioner General of Prisons Patrick Aranduh and Probation and Aftercare Services Secretary Dr. Christine Obondi, the PS toured the Nyahururu Men’s and Women’s Prisons, Rumuruti Prison and Nyandarua Prison as well as the Nyahururu Probation Office.
The tour was aimed at conducting a gap analysis and engaging local stakeholders with a view of identifying opportunities for improving correctional services and promoting community-based rehabilitation efforts.
During a meeting with Laikipia Governor Joshua Irungu, the two leaders agreed to collaborate on improving infrastructure within correctional facilities in the region. The PS emphasized the importance of the whole government approach underscoring how coordinated efforts between the national and county governments could transform the country’s correctional system.
As part of the reforms, the PS announced that the 27 inmates who were released from the Nyahururu GK Prison to serve the remainder of their sentences through community service orders will be engaged in county development projects within Laikipia County as part of the partnership between the two levels of government.
“Our focus is not just on managing prison populations, but on preparing inmates for successful re-integration back into the community. We are committed to improving facilities, addressing water shortage, and renovating prison wards to ensure humane living conditions for offenders.” She said.
Governor Irungu affirmed his commitment to partnering with the national government pledging that his administration remains ready to receive those committed to community service even as he expressed his support to efforts aimed at rehabilitating offenders while contributing to local development.
Among the proposed partnership between the state department for correctional services and the Laikipia county government includes the establishment of agricultural training centres of excellence within prison facilities that would equip inmates with practical skills which will be of benefit to them after completion of their terms.
During the visit at Nyahururu GK prison, the PS commissioned a TB isolation centre which was funded by the Laikipia County Government.