CORRECTIONAL SERVICES PS ROOTS FOR ENHANCED FUNDING AS SHE ENGAGES PARLIAMENTARY COMMITTEE

By Nicholas Kigondu

Key priority programs targeting the country’s correctional services risk stalling if the State Department for Correctional Services is not adequately funded to implement envisaged reforms.

Appearing before the Justice and Legal Affairs Committee of the National Assembly over the consideration of the 2025 budget policy statement, State Department for Correctional Services Principal Secretary Dr. Salome Beacco said inadequate budgetary provisions posed significant challenges to the implementation of key programs for both custodial and non-custodial offenders.

The PS told the committee that the State Department’s development vote in FY2024/25 Supplementary Estimates No. I was rationalized by 783,025,000 shillings leaving just 40 million meant to cater for outstanding certificates relating the completed projects with respect to FY 2023/24. 

“The State Department will face risks of cost overruns due to delayed payments consequently resulting to cost variations, lengthy litigation, fines, penalties and interest charges from contractors.” She informed the committee.

To mitigate the resultant adverse effects, the PS wants the 783,025,000 shillings reinstated to continue with the implementation of the projects and to ensure timely completion.

This even as she assured of her commitment to sustain ongoing reforms targeting the country’s correctional services.

While pledging to help push for the funding of critical unfunded areas, JLAC chair who is also the Tharaka MP, George Murugara said correctional services remain critical in the criminal justice system.

“We give our undertaking that we will tour selected correctional facilities across the country for a needs assessment before tabling the committee’s report on the floor of the house.” Said Murugara.  

Some of the areas that have been adversely affected by the budget cuts include food and rations, utilities, security equipment, rehabilitation services, development of legal and policy framework as well as the Magereza Level IV hospital which is yet to be operationalized.