SHOT IN THE ARM FOR CORRECTIONAL REFORMS AS DP KITHURE KINDIKI DONATES MATTRESSES

By Nicholas Kigondu

Efforts to enforce human rights and health standards within correctional facilities received a boost on Tuesday with the State Department for Correctional Services receiving a donation of 980 mattresses from the office of the Deputy President.

The donation, which was delivered by Chief of Staff in the Office of the Deputy President Dr Christopher Wanjau, will support ongoing efforts focused on rehabilitation, human dignity, and addressing overcrowding.

Speaking during the handover of the mattresses, Dr. Wanjau said every citizen, including those held in correctional facilities, has inalienable right to dignity and treatment without discrimination.

“Prisons and other correctional facilities are an integral part of community life and play a key role in the keeping of law and order, as well as rehabilitation of our fellow countrymen and women, preparing them for reintegration to the society once their sentences are complete.” He observed.

This even as he called on all Kenyans to participate actively and fully in the reintegration of reformed offenders who have served time in the correctional facilities by embracing them as co-players in the socio-economic transformation.

While thanking the Deputy President Kithure Kindiki for the donation, Correctional Services Principal Secretary Dr. Salome Beacco said the gesture reflects the Government's unwavering commitment to improving the welfare of persons in custody and strengthening the correctional system as an integral component of the administration of justice.

“This donation goes beyond the provision of bedding. It is a reaffirmation of our constitutional and legal obligation to uphold the inherent dignity of every person deprived of liberty.” She noted.

She said her department remains committed to progressively transforming the country’s correctional facilities into institutions that promote rehabilitation rather than mere incarceration.

Speaking at the same event, Commissioner General of Prisons Patrick Aranduh urged the inmates to ensure the donated items remain in the best condition possible to ensure they improve their living conditions while in custody.