Prison reforms in the country are taking shape as the government shifts focus from punishment to rehabilitation of inmates.
In an exclusive interview with KBC Radio Taifa, Principal Secretary for Correctional Services Salome Beacco highlighted progress in reshaping the Kenya’s prison system into a model that prepares inmates for meaningful reintegration into the society.
Beacco noted that education programs within prisons have yielded positive outcomes, with 56 inmates set to graduate with law degrees next month through education units in correctional facilities.
“We have an education unit that caters for formal education in prisons from primary to university levels. Next month, 56 inmates will graduate with law degrees, showing our commitment to empowering individuals through education,” said Beacco.
The PS further confirmed plans to launch a software engineering program soon in a bid broaden opportunities for inmates to secure employment post-release.
Additionally, the government has advanced vocational training in the 108 prison workshops with inmates now acquiring skills in fields such as welding, carpentry, and computer engineering.
Beacco further indicated that the department is tapping into agriculture, with prisons engaging in large-scale farming of maize, tea, rice, and cotton among other crops.
She said the recently opened maize milling station in Naivasha will help prisons feed inmates while generating revenue for the government.
“The prison farms demonstrate that our correctional facilities can be productive contributors to the economy, and we invite partners in the agricultural sector to support our efforts,” Beacco urged.
To improve the welfare of prison officers, PS Beacco said salary increments for officers are being implemented in line with President William Ruto’s directive issued in July this year.
Consequently, the State Department has embarked on the construction of housing units for prison officers under the affordable housing program, with 100 units completed at Shimo la Tewa and 50 more nearing completion in Ruiru.
“We want our officers to have decent living conditions. With a target of 28,000 housing units, we are ensuring their wellbeing, which is critical to maintaining a motivated workforce,” Beacco said, noting that she has toured over 75 facilities since taking office to assess progress and boost morale among officers.
Kenya has a total of 137 prisons in the country, including 46 women’s prisons, and 148 probation and aftercare stations spread across the country.
