PS BEACCO: STATE DEPARTMENT EMBRACING MODERN TECHNOLOGIES TO ENHANCE PRODUCTIVITY

By Nicholas Kigondu  

The State Department for Correctional Services is seeking to leverage on modern technologies to increase food production within its facilities as a key aspect of national development.

Speaking during a meeting with officials from the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the National Land Commission, the Principal Secretary Dr. Salome Beacco said her department remains committed to transform agrifood systems within Prisons and enhance climate resilience including the adoption of green energy.

While calling on FAO to support the department boost productivity, sustainability, and access to markets, the PS said she has initiated a raft of programmes aimed at modernizing and mechanizing prison farms and industries. This even as the department mulls embarking on specialized farming especially on seed production, similar to the ongoing potato seed production initiative at the Nyandarua GK Prison, for better outcomes.

The department she said is working closely with the National Land Commission and other government agencies to reclaim grabbed and encroached prison land as well acquire titles for all its parcels of land.

FAO Deputy Country Representative Hamisi Williams said his organization remains open to support the endeavor by offering its technical support including on digital technologies and biotechnologies that will in turn help boost the country’s overall food security.