STATE DEPARTMENT FOR CORRECTIONAL SERVICES ENHANCES CRIME PREVENTION STRATEGIES

By Nicholas Kigondu

The State Department for Correctional Services has enhanced the social crime prevention programme, focusing on addressing causative factors of crime.

Speaking in Narok County during a tour of the Kilgoris GK prison and the Kilgoris Probation Station, Principal Secretary Dr. Salome Beacco said the approach is advised by the need to nip the root causes of crime in the bud rather than just reacting to offences.

In a region prone to violent inter-communal conflicts and sex-related offences, the PS said Narok County is one of the regions that the department, through Probation and Aftercare Service, has enhanced crime prevention activities.

She underscored the critical role of probation and aftercare in the criminal justice system, urging officers to uphold professionalism in the dispensation of their duties. 

“As professionals, feel encouraged to help communicate that non-custodial measures are not a soft option; they are a smart, structured, and credible form of justice. They promote accountability, provide close supervision, support rehabilitation, and help reduce unnecessary incarceration.” Said the PS.

Addressing officers at the Kilgoris GK Prison, the PS expressed her commitment to ongoing reforms targeting the Kenya Prisons Service, especially on officers' welfare including salaries and housing.

Besides addressing overall officer welfare, the PS said the department has already embarked on a host of programmes aimed at building capacity, mental health support, and professionalism within the service.

While addressing inmates at the facility, the PS said the government is expanding vocational training programs in carpentry, tailoring, welding, and formal education with a view to strengthening the department’s rehabilitation and reintegration agenda.

The PS also donated an assortment of food and non-food items, including mattresses, blankets, wheat flour, and cooking oil to inmates.

During the visit, the PS also led officers and inmates at the Kilgoris GK Prison in a tree planting exercise that saw over 2,000 trees planted.

She was accompanied by Deputy Commissioner General of Prisons in charge of technical services Jane Kirii, Acting Probation and Aftercare Secretary, Shadrack Kavutai, Director industry Mutembei and other senior officers drawn from the state department.