CORRECTIONAL SERVICES PS UNDERSCORES SIGNIFICANCE OF PARTNERSHIPS

By Julliette Wangui

The State Department for Correctional Services has commenced preparations for this year’s Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education, Kenya Primary School Education Assessment and the Kenya Junior School Education Assessment.

Speaking during a meeting with a delegation from Christ Is the Answer Ministries (CITAM), Correctional Services Principal Secretary Dr. Salome Beacco said the department has prioritized access to formal education among offenders as part of broader reforms within the country’s correctional system.

She said ongoing collaboration between the department and various partners has proved invaluable in supporting the rehabilitation of inmates and preparing them for reintegration into society, hence reducing recidivism.

The PS appreciated the church’s involvement in supporting prison officers and urged it to develop a structured curriculum to ensure the officers consistently receive training on financial management, family matters and work-life balance. 

During the meeting, CITAM donated 100,000 shillings towards the purchase of stationery to be used by candidates during the forthcoming national examinations.

Rev. Grace Bukachi, Team Lead CITAM Chaplaincy, said the partnership between CITAM and The State Department for Correctional Services has recorded critical milestones including the retooling of teachers on Competency Based Curriculum (CBC) with a further 106 teachers set to undergo similar training in September.

CITAM has also been supporting correctional officers across different stations through spiritual and psychosocial support programs besides conducting training on financial management, family matters and work-life balance.