CORRECTIONAL SERVICES PS PUSHES FOR ENHANCED SOCIAL CRIME PREVENTION STRATEGIES
By Martha Munyambu
The State Department for Correctional Services is enhancing its social crime prevention strategies through stronger community participation and partnerships.
Speaking during the 3rd Community Probation Volunteers (CPV) Joint Coordinating Committee Meeting, Principal Secretary Dr. Salome Beacco emphasized that community-based interventions are critical in addressing challenges facing youth, including drug and substance abuse, crime, and reoffending.
The meeting was held under the Project on Community-Based Crime Prevention, Supervision, Rehabilitation and Reintegration of Children and Young Persons in Conflict with the Law, implemented with support from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).
To ensure the program's long-term sustainability beyond the project period, the PS stressed the need to integrate the CPV initiative into institutional plans and budgets. She also called for stronger mentorship, accountability, effective supervision of volunteers, and regular monitoring of program outcomes.
Dr. Beacco noted that CPVs serve as a vital link between the Government and local communities, playing a key role in crime prevention and reintegration efforts.
She urged stakeholders to strengthen collaboration and develop practical tools and training materials to enhance the program's effectiveness, while documenting successful interventions to build safer, more resilient communities.
While reviewing the program progress, sustainability measures, and plans to expand the initiative to additional stations, Fumihiko Suzuki, Senior Representative of JICA Kenya, said the project has helped establish a sustainable community-level probation model in the country.
The meeting brought together key partners and officials, including Ms. Yoko Kotoura, Director at JICA; Naoki Sugano, Deputy Director at UNAFEI; Rahab Kyengo, Director of Probation (representing the Secretary Probation and Aftercare Services); as well as senior probation officers and JICA representatives.
The engagement reaffirmed the commitment of the State Department and its partners to strengthen community-based approaches that foster successful rehabilitation and reintegration of children and young persons in conflict with the law.