By John Kariuki
The government has taken a significant step toward reforming Kenya’s correctional system by unveiling the draft National Correctional Services Bill and the draft Correctional Services Policy for public and stakeholder review. The move is aimed at modernizing correctional services, enhancing efficiency, and aligning them with international best practices.
As part of the constitutional requirement for public participation, citizens, legal experts, civil society organizations, and other stakeholders are encouraged to review the proposed legislation and policy framework and provide their input. The submissions will play a critical role in shaping the future of correctional services in Kenya.
The Technical Committee on the Development of Legal and Policy Framework for Correctional Services in Kenya is spearheading the review process. The committee was appointed through Gazette Notice No. 5621 on April 30, 2024, by the Cabinet Secretary for Interior and National Administration to ensure that the new legal and policy framework is comprehensive, inclusive, and aligned with national and global standards.
State Department for Correctional Services Principal Secretary Dr. Salome Beacco underscored the importance of the reforms, emphasizing that legal and policy restructuring is central to improving service delivery, rehabilitation programs, and overall efficiency in correctional facilities. She noted that these changes are part of a broader vision to transform Kenya’s correctional services into a model of excellence.
“These reforms are a major milestone in our efforts to create a correctional system that is not only efficient but also upholds human dignity and fosters rehabilitation. Public participation is crucial in ensuring that the final policy and legal framework reflect the needs and expectations of all stakeholders,” said Dr. Beacco.
The government remains committed to ensuring transparency and inclusivity in the reform process. Stakeholders are encouraged to take part in the review by submitting their feedback before the set deadline.