TOP PERFORMERS FETED DURING CORRECTIONAL SERVICE WEEK 2026 GALA DINNER

By Nicholas Kigondu

It was a celebration of excellence as the State Department for Correctional Services recognized some of its staff for exemplary performance during the Correctional Service Week 2026 Gala Dinner held on Thursday evening.

The awards that included both institutional and individual categories saw winners feted for their innovation, financial stewardship, adoption of technology and green solutions in their operations in line with this year’s theme of Transforming Correctional Services through Technology and Green Solutions.

Correctional institutions were awarded for their efforts ranging from sustained greening initiatives and commitment to environmental conservation, industrial capacity and large-scale tree planting efforts. 

Speaking during the celebrations, Tourism and Wildlife Cabinet Secretary Rebecca Miano, said this year’s theme speaks directly to the Government’s commitment to modernizing public service delivery, embracing innovation and advancing sustainable development.

“I urge the State Department for Correctional Services, the Kenya Prisons Service and the Probation and Aftercare Service, to accelerate digitalization, strengthen institutional efficiency, enhance accountability and embrace reliable data for evidence-based operational and strategic decision-making.” Said the CS.

She said correctional services remain an essential pillar of the national security and justice architecture with its mandate extending beyond the secure custody and supervision of offenders to rehabilitation, cognitive behavioral interventions, reintegration and the prevention of reoffending.

“Your ultimate measure of success must therefore go beyond the number of offenders managed to include safer communities, transformed lives and reduced recidivism.” She observed.

According to Correctional Services Principal Secretary Dr. Salome Beacco, the recognition of the winners demonstrates what dedication, discipline, and teamwork can accomplish.

“This speaks to the power of collective effort, where individual excellence is strengthened by the commitment and contribution of others,” she said.

She said the transformation of correctional services cannot be achieved by

government alone but a robust, multi-pronged approach involving development partners, civil society, academia, communities, the private sector and other collaborating government agencies.

While expressing his commitment to the ongoing reform agenda within the country’s correctional system, Commissioner General of Prisons Patrick Aranduh said the service remains ready to embrace modern correctional methods, sentiments shared by Probation and Aftercare Service Secretary Shadrack Kavutai.

Speaking at the same event, Football Kenya Federation President Hussein Mohammed said the federation will partner with the State Department for Correctional service to support ongoing reformation efforts.

The gala night was the climax of the three-day Correctional Service Week which kicked off on Tuesday.