STATE DEPARTMENT FOR CORRECTIONAL SERVICES TO PARTNER WITH ACADEMIC INSTITUTIONS IN ONGOING REFORMS

By Nicholas Kigondu

The State Department for Correctional Services is exploring partnering with academic institutions to develop innovative strategies to support its rehabilitation agenda.

Speaking during a meeting with a team from the United States International University-Africa, Principal Secretary Dr. Salome Beacco said the role of academia is important within the framework of correctional reforms adding that real transformation is often driven by those in academia through innovations and policy formulation.

She said the department is currently laying more emphasis on training and guidance for offenders as it adopts a more rehabilitative approach to corrections in line with international best practices that prioritize health, hygiene and dignity for incarcerated people.

“We are trying to transform the country’s correctional system into a place of hope, with the belief that offenders can change,” said the PS.

While pledging to support the department in the reformation agenda, the team from USIU led by Dr. Joyce Muchemi, said the institution remains ready to support the various programmes including helping develop diagnostic and treatment procedures for various forms of mental disorders as part of addressing mental health and wellness for both offenders and staff at the department.