STATE DEPARTMENT ADOPTING COLLABORATIVE STRATEGIES TO IMPROVE OUTCOMES

By Nicholas Kigondu

Correctional Services Principal Secretary Dr. Salome Beacco is rooting for impactful projects whose effects will have lasting impact on the course of corrections in the country.

Speaking during a meeting with officials from the International Development Law Organization (IDLO), the PS said the aspiration is in line with her department’s focus of aligning the country’s correctional system with global human rights standards and best practices.

According to the PS, impactful projects will enhance access to justice and equality among vulnerable populations through rehabilitative and empowerment programmes that will in effect decongest correctional facilities and reduces incidents of recidivism.

“For the first time in the history of the country, the number of those serving non-custodial sentences are more than those service custodial sentences. This is proof that ongoing reforms targeting the country’s justice system have been effective.” Observed the PS.

While lauding IDLO for its continued support, including on legal and policy reforms, the PS urged for more collaboration especially on digitization, clean energy, access to justice through virtual courts, mental health and wellness, prison enterprises and climate change mitigation.

IDLO Global Director of programmes Romualdo Mavedzenge said his organization remains committed to scale-up support initiatives that will support Kenya’s justice sector realize its agenda through evidence-based practices by aligning the country’s strategic goals and those of IDLO.