STATE DEPARTMENT FOR CORRECTIONAL SERVICES INTENSIFY EFFORTS TO IMPROVE ACCESS TO JUSTICE

By Vallentine Mmbone

The State Department for Correctional Services is strengthening collaboration with stakeholders to improve access to justice, rehabilitation, legal empowerment, and reintegration of reformed offenders.

Speaking during a meeting with a team from Justice Defenders organisation led by Phillip Coulson, who is a member of their Governing Board, Correctional Services Principal Secretary Dr. Salome Beacco said partnerships between state agencies, legal institutions, academia, and other stakeholders remain critical in the achievement of sustainable reforms within the correctional system.

While appreciating the efforts by Justice Defenders in promoting access to justice and supporting correctional reforms, the PS said there is a need to strengthen post-release support programmes for ex-convicts proposing the establishment of a post-prison transition centre where former inmates can receive assistance before fully being reintegrated into society. This besides support for the creation of rehabilitation hubs that could include businesses and other income-generating activities to provide sustainable livelihoods for reformed offenders.

According to Coulson, it is important to create employment opportunities targeting reformed prisoners to support their reintegration into society, saying that Justice Defenders has recorded notable gains towards the endeavor including successful collaborations with Strathmore University in legal training programmes and the organization of Moot Court activities to strengthen practical legal education.

The PS reaffirmed the department’s commitment to driving reforms through strategic partnerships and innovative rehabilitation programmes that prepare offenders for productive lives after their release.