PS CORRECTIONAL SERVICES COMMISSIONS THREE TRANSFORMATIONAL PROJECTS AT LANG'ATA WOMEN PRISON
By Martha Munyambu
In a collaborative effort to enhance rehabilitation within Correctional facilities, the Principal Secretary for Correctional Services Dr. Salome M- Beacco commissioned three transformational projects at Lang'ata Women's Prison.
In her remarks, the Correctional Services PS said that the department offers different rehabilitation programs that will help the inmates in the facility get back on their feet and eventually become productive members of society.
" As part of our reforms package, the Department for Correctional Services offers inmates various rehabilitation programs while they are in prison, including education and vocational training skills," said the PS.
The projects aimed at fostering rehabilitation and reintegration include a Counseling Centre, constructed by the Nest Children's Home, which will assist in addressing the mental health and psychosocial needs of incarcerated women.
The Chandaria Langata Women’s Prison workshop, funded by Chandaria Foundation expansion will equip the inmates with valuable vocational skills and training opportunities that will empower inmates to build sustainable livelihoods and contribute positively to society upon release.
In a testament to cross-sector collaboration, the Langata Women’s Kitchen was refurbished and fitted with modern LPG gas cookers by the International Committee of the Redcross (ICRC), which will enhance safety as well as improve living conditions within the facility.
The PS appealed to stakeholders and officers to come together and assist the women inmates in the facility to acquire the necessary skills to reintegrate effectively back into society, she further said that the skills will help them unlock their potential to gain employment and reduce recidivism.
" The primary goal of these programs is to reduce recidivism - the number of inmates who re-offend after they are released from prison," the PS said.
Addressing the inmates the PS urged the inmates seize opportunities accorded to them in the institution with both hands and continue with the journey towards self-correction, she emphasized the importance of focus, discipline and integrity.
"This Correctional facility offers a conducive learning and personal growth environment, but it is your responsibility to make the most of this opportunity," advised the PS.
Correctional PS was accompanied by her PS colleagues from Higher Education Dr. Beatrice Inyangala, Energy Alex Wachira, and Sports Peter Tum where they promised their support and commitment to fostering rehabilitation and reintegration of the inmates.