EACC PRESENTS REPORT ON REVIEW OF SYSTEMS FOR THE KENYA PRISONS SERVICE
By Phillip Kitili
Correctional Services Principal Secretary Dr. Salome Beacco has expressed her commitment to promote accountability and transparency.
Speaking while receiving a Systems Review Report of the Kenya Prisons Service authored by the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission, the PS said the findings present a bold step toward institutional transparency and reform.
“We believe that this report apart from serving as a diagnostic tool, can equally serve as a roadmap for reform,” observed the PS.
In its report, EACC highlighted some of the great milestones achieved within the country’s correctional services including open door policy in prison facilities, improved sanitation levels, introduction of family days and the establishment of paralegal sections. It however identified 87 risks/weaknesses in various thematic areas that require urgent address.
According to the PS, the report reveals both strengths and critical systemic gaps while also highlighting correctional paradigm shift spanning family days, paralegal units, improved health and sanitation to the ongoing digitization efforts of correctional operations.
“As a State Department, we reaffirm our full commitment to implementing the EACC recommendations within a structured, time-bound framework. We shall continue to engage Parliament, oversight bodies, and development partners in tracking progress and mobilizing resources.” She said.
She said the department is already implementing a host of reforms aimed at addressing most of the gaps identified in the report. They include digitalization of all processes within the department, adoption of e-procurement, review of legal and policy frameworks, reforming of human resource management, finance and planning as well as addressing issues related to stalled projects.
Speaking at the same forum, EACC chairperson Dr. David Oginde said the recommendations arising from the risk analysis, if implemented, will transform correctional facilities into correctional centres of excellence.
“Undertaking this kind of review is like agreeing to a medical checkup. You can follow the doctor’s instructions or opt to ignore them altogether. We are glad that the Kenya Prisons Service agreed to undertake the process.” Observed Oginde.
He said observing human dignity remains key in effective rehabilitation of offenders adding that embracing the findings of the EACC report and establishing strong systems will greatly contribute to reduction of corruption in the country.
EACC Chief executive officer Abdi Ahmed Mohamud pledged to partner with the State Department for Correctional Services in its efforts to reform the country’s correctional systems. He promised that the commission will support some of the initiatives including the He for He triple decker bed campaign that seeks to provide triple-decker beds to all male inmates in the country's correctional facilities.
Commissioner General of Prisons Patrick Aranduh said the Kenya Prisons Service remains committed to collaborating with EACC and other government agencies to enhance accountability, integrity and transparency in its operations.
According to Charity Kagwi, the Head of Anti-Corruption Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice Programme at UNODC, the decision to allow EACC to review KPS systems was a testament to a commitment to reforms and accountability.
In its recommendations, EACC has proposed the development of an implementation plan within the next three months to address the identified gaps and risks while pledging to provide continued support and monitoring to ensure effective implementation of the recommendations.
The launch of the EACC report also coincided with celebrations to mark the Nelson Mandela International Day, a day set aside to recognize former South African President’s contribution to the culture of peace and freedom,