The State Department for Correction Services has rolled out an initiative where convicts serving in short term jails will be released to work for the community to decongest prisons in the country.
The programme is being implemented in Elgeyo Marakwet and Laikipia counties and is set to be extended across the 47 counties.
Correctional Services Principal Secretary Dr. Salome Beacco, speaking in Nanyuki GK Prison during the launch of the hobbies and handicraft centre on Wednesday, said that inmates who show change of behaviour and serve less than a year jail term will be engaged in community services for rehabilitation.
“The Department is giving impetus to Community Service Orders (CSO) to reduce the continued use of prison sentences on petty offenders on the strength that the criminal justice system in the country allows for the option of CSO sentences,” said the PS.
She pointed out that CSO was important for the development of the nation through the reintegration of offenders into the community.
“You will agree with me that, to a large extent, the effective use of the CSO sentences will be beneficial to the socio-economic development of the country. More so, if those serving community-based sentences are engaged in meaningful work within the community,” added Ms. Beacco.
Additionally, during the event, about 50 prisoners were released and expected to be assigned duties for community services by the Laikipia County government for a specified period as per the offence committed until they completed their sentences.
‘’ I beseech you to follow the community service orders condition that calls for you to be a law-abiding citizen, perform tangible work in the agencies that you are attached to, and collaborate with the community in building our nation, ’the PS urged the 50 prisoners released from Nanyuki GK prison.
Area Governor Joshua Irungu said that the 50 offenders serving non-custodial sentences would support the county in garbage collection, drainage unclogging, and tree planting exercises aimed at achieving the county’s target of 300 million.
On her part, National CSO Chairperson Lady Justice Lilian Mutende revealed that some inmates were unwilling to leave prison for fear of discrimination from the community and hence called for collaboration among stakeholders to make the reformed criminals acceptable back in society.
By Muturi Mwangi
