2,500 TREES PLANTED AS THE STATE DEPARTMENT FOR CORRECTIONAL SERVICES MARK WORLD ENVIRONMENT DAY

By Nicholas Kigondu

The State Department for Correctional Services commemorated World Environment Day with a tree planting drive at the Eldoret Main GK Prison.

The exercise, which was led by Principal Secretary Dr. Salome Beacco, saw over 2,500 trees planted with participation from students at the Eldoret GK Prison senior school, National Government Administration officers, as well as officers drawn from the Kenya Prisons Service and Probation and Aftercare Service.

Speaking during the exercise, the PS said the initiative is part of ongoing efforts by the department to support global efforts to leverage on nature-based solutions to combat the adverse effects of climate change.

She said the department remains committed to supporting the national goal to plant and grow 15 billion trees by 2032 as championed by President William Ruto, by actively driving environmental sustainability.

The State Department has been in the forefront in environmental conservation, engaging in large-scale tree planting and seedlings production.

“We stand united by a common purpose: protecting our environment while strengthening rehabilitation and transformation within our institutions. This dual mission reflects the values of service, stewardship, and sustainability that define the correctional sector.” She observed.

The department has dedicated the first Thursday of every month to tree planting and growing, with efforts having already resulted in planting of over 6 million trees.

The PS also toured the Eldoret Main GK prison and the women's prison where she engaged both officers and inmates, reiterating the department’s commitment to address the welfare of both officers and inmates.

During the tour, she issued an assortment of food and non-food items to the inmates, including shaving machines and toiletries.

She also commissioned a multi-purpose hall at the Eldoret GK Main Prison and inspected ongoing construction works of the Chandaria women's workshop at the women's facility.

She was accompanied by Commissioner General of Prisons Patrick Aranduh, Acting Probation and Aftercare Service Secretary Shadrack Kavutai and other senior staff from the department.