PS BEACCO UNDERSCORES ROLE OF PARTNERS IN REALIZING ENVISAGED REFORMS

By Phillip Kitili

The State Department for Correctional Services has reaffirmed its commitment to inmate dignity and rehabilitation following talks between Principal Secretary for Correctional Services Dr. Salome Beacco and a delegation from Faraja Trust. The meeting reviewed ongoing collaboration, explored new joint initiatives and sought Faraja Trust’s partnership for Correctional Service Week 2026. PS Beacco paid tribute to the late Fr. Peter Meinberg, founder of Faraja Trust, describing his compassionate leadership and lasting contribution to humane correctional services in Kenya. Central to the discussions was the Triple Decker Bed Initiative, conceived by the late Fr. Meinberg to address congestion in correctional facilities. While 2,000 beds have been installed across three institutions, PS Beacco noted that a shortfall of 56,000 beds, equivalent to over 18,000 triple decker units, still remains, underscoring the need for sustained partnership and investment. Faraja Trust Executive Director Ms. Astrid Meinberg reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to the initiative and announced plans to establish Day Care Centres for children at Nanyuki Women Prison and Shimo La Tewa Women Prison. PS Beacco welcomed the proposal and pledged support through public participation and available design assistance. The PS also highlighted Correctional Service Week 2026, scheduled for 13th–15th October in Nairobi under the theme, “Transforming Correctional Services through Technology and Green Solutions.” The Faraja Trust delegation was led by Trustee Mr. Christoph Meinberg, Executive Director Ms. Astrid Meinberg and Programme Coordinator Ms. Christine Odero.