BOOST FOR DIGITALIZATION EFFORTS AS STATE DEPARTMENT FOR CORRECTIONAL SERVICES RECEIVE 250 COMPUTERS

By Nicholas Kigondu

The State Department for Correctional Services is enhancing collaboration with partners as part of ongoing efforts to accelerate envisaged reforms.

Speaking in Syokimau during the launch of a circular economy hub facility for Close the Gap organization, Correctional Services Principal Secretary Dr. Salome Beacco said multi-stakeholder collaboration remains key in reforming the country’s correctional system.

While appreciating the donation of 250 computers by Close the Gap organization, the PS said such collaborations have seen offenders access quality education and related programmes with the majority of those within correctional facilities drawn from poor backgrounds.

“Evidence continues to demonstrate that rehabilitation is most effective where education, digital inclusion, and opportunity converge. Incarcerated persons who access learning and skills programmes are significantly less likely to reoffend upon release,” she observed.

Speaking at the same event, Kenya’s Permanent representative to UNEP, Ida Odinga said the move by Close the Gap and TeckKids Africa organizations to support the most vulnerable in the society will not only expand access to education and skills but also ensure that no one is excluded from associated opportunities.

The 250 desktop computers donated by Close the Gap will be deployed across 13 selected correctional facilities and will serve as centres of learning, innovation and transformation equipping beneficiaries with practical ICT competencies, digital literacy and market-relevant skills. 

European Union Ambassador to Kenya Henriete Geiger, Netherlands Ambassador Henk Bakker, Belgian Ambassador Peter Maddens, Commissioner General of Prisons Patrick Aranduh, Close the Gap CEO Olivier Vanden Eynde and Acting Probation and Aftercare Secretary Shadrack Kavutai were among those who attended the event.