DP KITHURE KINDIKI ROOTS FOR ADOPTION OF MODERN TECHNOLOGIES AS CSW 2026 OPENS
By Martha Munyambu
Deputy President Kithure Kindiki says the adoption of modern technologies and green solutions remains critical enablers of national development.
Speaking in Nairobi during the official opening of the fourth edition of the Correctional Service Week, the DP said the government recognizes technology as a critical enabler of economic growth, institutional efficiency, innovation and improved public service delivery.
He said this year’s theme of Transforming Correctional Services through Technology and Green Solutions, speaks directly to the national development agenda and the urgent need to modernize public institutions, strengthen service delivery and pursue durable solutions to the challenges facing the country.
“Our national development priorities, anchored in the five pillars of agricultural transformation, support for micro, small and medium enterprises, universal health coverage, affordable housing, and the digital superhighway and creative economy, demonstrate our commitment to building a modern, inclusive and productive economy.” Said the DP.
He urged institutions to adopt secure, integrated and data-driven systems, leveraging artificial intelligence and data analytics to improve operational efficiency and rehabilitation programmes, even as he emphasized the need to uphold human dignity, protect personal data and strengthen cybersecurity to safeguard critical infrastructure.
The Deputy President at the same time urged the State Department for Correctional Services to align its digital initiatives with the National Digital Master Plan 2022–2032, the National E-Commerce Strategy 2023 and the National Artificial Intelligence Strategy 2025–2030, alongside applicable cybersecurity and data-protection frameworks
While applauding the State Department for its efforts in reforming the country’s correctional system, the DP the endeavour remains important to the country’s national security, the administration of justice, and the building of a safer, more just and prosperous Kenya.
Speaking during the event, Correctional Services Principal Secretary Dr. Salome Beacco said the department remains committed to transforming its institutions, restoring dignity, rehabilitating offenders, enabling their successful reintegration into society and securing lasting public safety.
This she said requires cooperation, coordination and synergy that is multi-sectoral and crosscutting.
“At the core of our mandate is the responsibility to promote a just and secure society through effective offender management and the administration of justice which is guided by our pursuit of excellence in correctional services.” She observed.
According to Kenya’s special envoy for climate change in the executive office of the president Ambassador Ali Mohammed, technology and sustainability can transform how correctional institutions operate, rehabilitate offenders, and prepare them for life beyond custody.
He said the challenge posed by Climate change makes the transformation particularly more urgent.
Present during the ceremony were National Assembly’s Justice and Legal Affairs Chairperson Hon. George Murugara, Devolution Principal Secretary Michael Lenasalon, Commissioner General of Prisons Patrick M. Aranduh, Secretary, Probation and Aftercare Service Shadrack Kavutai, Community Service Orders Chairperson Lady Justice Margaret Muigai, Programme Director of The Prem Rawat Foundation–USA, Willow Baker and UNODC Deputy Regional Representative Koen Marquering among other stakeholders.
The three-day conference has brought together correctional practitioners, national and international actors, experts, and other stakeholders to reflect on the future of correctional services in Kenya and explore innovative approaches for sectoral transformation.