STATE DEPARTMENT FOR CORRECTIONAL SERVICES SEEKING PARTNERSHIPS TO UPSCALE TRAINING PROGRAMMES

By Nicholas Kigondu

The State Department for Correctional Services is exploring partnerships with stakeholders as it seeks to align its formal and vocational training programmes with industry demands.

Speaking during an exploratory meeting with officials from Microsoft, Principal Secretary Dr. Salome Beacco said it was paramount that available training programmes are in tandem with emerging areas through scaling up of infrastructure and skills.

According to the PS, imparting industry relevant skills to offenders will help reduce recidivism as the chances of those exiting correctional facilities acquiring jobs will improve.

With the department planning to digitalize its facilities and operations through the Integrated Correctional Management Information System (ICMIS), the PS said the department will be seeking the support of partners to fully transition to digital from manual systems including on devices and capacity building.

While pledging Microsoft’s readiness to partner with the department to deliver on its mandate, Microsoft's Africa Development Center Managing Director Catherine Muraga said the company will explore various options to determine areas of possible collaboration.

She said the company is partnering with about 16 universities in the country as well as engaging students in secondary schools as it seeks to encourage young people to take up tech courses as well as empower them with new methodologies and right tools.

The State Department has prioritized formal and vocational training across correctional facilities as a rehabilitation tool aimed at empowering offenders with requisite skills that will ease their integration back in society.