The government has intensified efforts to improve infrastructure in correctional facilities across the country, aiming to enhance service delivery and safeguard the dignity of inmates. This was revealed by Correctional Services Principal Secretary Dr. Salome Beacco during a recent tour of the Bungoma GK male and female prisons.
Dr. Beacco emphasized that increasing the number of beds in prisons is among the top priorities to uplift the living standards of inmates. “This initiative is crucial in promoting human dignity within correctional facilities,” she said.
In a bid to improve planning and policy implementation, the PS noted that senior officials are now actively visiting grassroots offices to understand the realities on the ground. “As senior officers, we no longer remain behind desks; we are out in the field, listening and engaging directly with those on the ground,” she remarked.
Dr. Beacco also lauded the Bungoma GK Prison management for planting a significant number of trees within the facility, aligning with the national goal of planting 15 billion trees by 2032. “This environmental initiative supports the President’s directive and demonstrates commendable commitment by the officers,” she said.
To further improve inmate welfare, Dr. Beacco revealed that efforts are underway to register all inmates with the Social Health Authority (SHA) to enable access to healthcare services. Currently, 50 percent of inmates at the Bungoma GK prisons are registered. However, the PS acknowledged delays due to some inmates lacking national identification cards. The Department is working closely with the Registration of Persons to address this challenge.
She also praised the prison for putting idle land to productive use through agricultural activities that help supplement food supply within the facility.
In addition, the PS urged Kenyans to support the reintegration of ex-convicts by offering them employment and treating them with dignity. “We must stop discriminating against people who have served their sentences. Let’s offer them second chances,” she appealed.
Dr. Beacco was accompanied by Bungoma County Commissioner Thomas Sankei during the tour, underlining the government’s commitment to reforms in the correctional system.
