PS BEACCO ROOTS FOR CONTINUED COLLABORATION IN ONGOING REFORMS TARGETING CORRECTIONAL SERVICES
PS BEACCO ROOTS FOR CONTINUED COLLABORATION IN ONGOING REFORMS TARGETING CORRECTIONAL SERVICES
By Pili Chimerah and Nicholas Kigondu
State Department for Correctional Services Principal Secretary Dr. Salome M-Beacco has lauded the role of justice actors in supporting correctional services.
Speaking during the launch of the Administration of Justice in Kenya Annual Report 2023-2024, the PS said the collaboration has resulted in a paradigm shift from punitive confinement of offenders to reforming and correcting.
“Our collaborative partnerships enable us to move beyond a punitive approach. They facilitate the creation of programs that prioritize public safety by reducing recidivism, ultimately benefiting society as a whole,” she observed.
She acknowledged the support offered by the different stakeholders to improve Digitization in correctional institutions, especially in the provision of advanced digital tools to help in the efficient case management and improvement of services.
“Digital tools for case management, monitoring, virtual courts, and tele-counselling can reduce the strain on physical facilities, expand our reach, and improve service delivery. With the support of stakeholders, we are exploring these technological advancements to ensure that correctional services remain efficient, accessible, and responsive to the needs of both offenders and society,” she said.
Council of Governors Chairperson Ahmed Abdullahi called for the need to empower the Citizens in the administration of justice.
“We should note that strengthening administration of justice at the local level goes beyond brick and mortar, there is need for the community to be empowered. Through collaborations with county governments, we can develop mechanisms that increase the legal literacy levels of the citizens,” observed Abdullahi in a speech read on his behalf by Deputy Council Chair Mutahi Kahiga.
According to Attorney General Dorcas Oduor it is important to make the criminal justice system more efficient and effective calling for the need to capacity build all actors in the criminal justice system to enhance access to justice for all.
Director of Public Prosecutions Benson Ingonga noted that citizen-centric efforts have enabled widespread accessibility to justice services, particularly through the Court Users Committees (CUCs), which play a transformative role in the lives of Kenyans.
He said NCAJ remains committed to enhanced justice sector coordination, deepening criminal and civil justice reforms as well as strengthening access to justice for the most vulnerable.
The Administration of Justice in Kenya annual report 2023-2024, outlines the shared journey towards a more coordinated, transparent, and people-centered justice system and marks a celebration of the continued commitment to reforming and strengthening Kenya's justice system.