STATE DEPARTMENT FOR CORRECTIONAL SERVICES TO ENHANCE COLLABORATIONS IN ONGOING REFORMS

By Nicholas Kigondu 

Correctional Services Principal Secretary Dr. Salome Beacco says the department has integrated stakeholders’ collaboration in ongoing reforms targeting correctional services.

Speaking during a tour of the Kerugoya probation office, Mwea and Kerugoya Prisons, the PS said her department is working closely with the judiciary and County governments as part of the whole of government approach as advocated by the president.

“We are already working closely with Laikipia and Elgeyo Marakwet Counties towards this endeavor. Through community service orders, we are having those who have been released by the courts through case reviews committed to community work with county administrations supervising offenders under the support of a probation officer, ” she said.

Kirinyaga Deputy Governor David Githanda said the county administration remains open to collaborating with the national government in ongoing reforms targeting correctional facilities. 
 
“Rehabilitation and reintegration of offenders back into the society is an important aspect of the justice system. There is need to invest in efforts aimed at ensuring that the society is receptive of those who have reformed after serving time in correctional facilities, ” observed the deputy governor.

According to the PS, the State Department for Correctional Services is exploring potential areas of collaboration with the Kirinyaga County government especially on agriculture, with the view of having Kerugoya and Mwea prisons increase rice, coffee and horticulture yields.

“I applaud the officers in charge of the two facilities for the tremendous efforts that have seen production increase significantly. I however urge you to enhance partnerships with the county administration in areas that require technical expertise to further improve production, ” observed the PS.

She said plans are underway to expand farmland, mechanize operations, and increase capital investment besides training programs to improve agricultural techniques that will ensure a more robust food supply chain.

This even as she called on Kenyans to support ongoing efforts to reform correctional services in the country by embracing ongoing reforms and buying goods produced by prison industries.

She was accompanied by Commissioner General of Prisons Patrick Aranduh, Secretary Probation and Aftercare Service Dr. Christine Obondi as well as other senior officers drawn from the State Department for Correctional Services.