MERU GK PRISON RECEIVES DONATION OF BEDS, MATTRESSES AND BLANKETS FROM KAAGA GIRLS SENIOR SCHOOL

By Nicholas Kigondu

Correctional Services Principal Secretary Dr. Salome Beacco has underscored the government’s commitment to reforming the country’s correctional system through infrastructure modernization, digitalization and enhanced rehabilitation programmes.

Speaking at the Meru Main GK Prison as she received a donation of 180 beds, 180 mattresses and 100 blankets from Kaaga Girls Senior School, the PS said the transformation seeks to change the institutions from centres of confinement into places of rehabilitation, restoration and social transformation.

“The State Department has embarked on an ambitious transformation agenda aimed at modernizing our correctional facilities, improving staff welfare, expanding rehabilitation programmes, digitalization and strengthening strategic partnerships. “She observed.

She said every investment in necessities such as beds and bedding contributes directly to safeguarding the dignity, health and well-being of those in correctional facilities while advancing constitutional and international obligations to provide pro-social, humane services.

“We recognize that meaningful rehabilitation flourishes where communities remain connected to correctional institutions,” she said.

This even as she challenged inmates to take advantage of available opportunities to learn new skills that she said would help them in their journey to get back on their feet once they serve their terms in correctional facilities.

Noting that the department has initiated a host of reforms targeting both officers and offenders, the PS said the efforts, which include improvement of infrastructure for both officers and inmates, are meant to address the challenges facing the country’s correctional system.

Speaking while handing over the donations, Kaaga Girls Senior School Board Chair Mary Matu said the gesture was informed by the need to support the vulnerable in society, sentiments echoed by the school Principal Eunice Maeke, who pledged continued support to the facility.

Prison Enterprises Director Charles Mutembei represented the Commissioner General of Prisons at the event, which was also attended by other senior officers from the State Department for Correctional Services.