PS BEACCO: GOVERNMENT COMMITTED TO HOLISTIC REFORMATION AND REHABILITATION OF OFFENDERS

PS BEACCO: GOVERNMENT COMMITTED TO HOLISTIC REFORMATION AND REHABILITATION OF OFFENDERS

 By Nicholas Kigondu and Pili Chimerah 

State Department for Correctional Services Principal Secretary Dr. Salome M-Beacco says the government has embarked on holistic rehabilitation and reformation of offenders as part of ongoing reforms within the correctional system.

Speaking in Narok County during an inspection tour of the Narok Probation Office, Narok Main and Women Prisons, the PS said the plan which includes enhancing both vocational and formal training within correctional facilities will see more workshops equipped with modern tools while at the same time improving infrastructure within the facilities to support formal education.

“We remain committed to continuing with ongoing reforms aimed at building the capacity of offenders to help them during their reintegration back into the society once they complete their terms,” she said.

Among the areas of focus according to the PS includes infrastructural development, housing for officers and also embarking on digitization program which will enable incorporation of virtual courts across all correctional facilities in the country. 

She said the department is in the process of reviewing its laws to allow inmates earn a stipend during their time in prison which could be used as seed capital to start businesses once they are out of prisons.

While addressing officers from both Probation and prison units, the PS urged them to maintain high level of discipline while executing their duties. This even as she urged them to manage their finances well while taking good care of their families.

“Money is a roadmap to improve yourselves. It is only an instrument to ensure that your life is convenient,” she advised.

She also urged them to take pride in the execution of their duties, take care of their mental health while also being compassionate to each other.

“Be kind to one another because it is good for your mental health,” she said while urging them to enhance mental health programs in the stations. 

While addressing inmates, the PS urged them to take advantage of existing programmes to improve their lives.

“You need to reform in such a way that when you are reintegrated back to the society, you don't need to prove to anyone that you are reformed but rather let them see that through your actions. Let us avoid doing anything that brings us into conflict with the law. You have a responsibility that once we leave prison, you don’t become a repeat offender and find yourself back in prison.” She said.