The State Department for Correctional Services is undertaking a nationwide exercise to repossess grabbed land, survey and legally secure title deeds for its land as well as end long-standing illegal encroachment. Speaking while chairing an inter-ministerial technical committee tasked with devising a strategy to unlock the land question within the department, Principal Secretary Dr. Salome Beacco noted that much ground has been covered towards regularizing and titling all land parcels belonging to correctional services with a view of formalizing ownership documents and shielding the department’s land resources from land grabbers. According to the PS, significant progress has already been realized by the committee, with 23 land parcels marked for processing, six title deeds fully acquired and documentation for the remaining tracts ongoing. She emphasized that securing title deeds is critical to restoring dignity to correctional facilities and serving the public interest. She said the joint initiative of the committee focuses on auditing land records, reviewing letters of allotment, settling legal matters and obtaining title deeds. She further advised the committee to establish a comprehensive land policy to safeguard the department’s land from illegal encroachment.

The State Department for Correctional Services is working on a comprehensive plan aimed at transforming the current Prisons Industries and Farms into sustainable and more productive entities. Speaking during a meeting with Directors of the Prisons Revolving Fund, Principal Secretary Dr. Salome said the plan will include transforming the prison industries and farms into modern sectors like agribusiness while enhancing the production of the various goods into more profitable enterprises. She said revitalization of farms and industries will not only ensure they effectively contribute to both the national economy and the rehabilitation of offenders but will also expand the scope and ensure revenue retention and reinvestment. Among the planned investments include the purchase of new equipment for both farms and industries to boost production as well as development of related fiscal policies to enhance efficiency.

Correctional Services Principal Secretary Dr. Salome Beacco has attributed her recent recognition during the Africa Champions Awards ceremony to collective efforts by correctional officers towards achieving excellence. Speaking at her office when she received the Transformational Leadership of the Year 2026 in Kenya award, the PS said their dedication to service that includes balancing institutional security, discipline, and public safety with the promotion of rehabilitation, human dignity, and community reintegration, is not only being recognized in the country but across the globe. “I wish to dedicate this Award to all of you; from the duty officers to documentation officers; from probation officer II, OICs, Industry and Farm managers, to regional and County directors; indeed, all of us.” Said the PS. According to Africa Champions Awards CEO Fredrick Kyalo, the PS was recognized for her transformational reforms within the country’s correctional system which have been impactful. Under the theme “Celebrating Visionaries, Transforming Africa” the Pan-African recognition platform that honors leaders, organizations, and institutions for governance, excellence, and Sustainable Development Goals across politics, business, and civil society honored the PS as the winner of the Transformational Leadership of the Year 2026 in Kenya award over the weekend during its 9th Edition gala ceremony.

Correctional Services Principal Secretary Dr. Salome Beacco was among senior government officers who attended a high-level multisectoral coordination meeting organised by the Ministry of Health following the country’s confirmation of its ninth case of Bundibugyo Ebola Virus Disease (EVD). The meeting brought together key stakeholders as the government intensified coordination efforts to strengthen national preparedness and response. Speaking during the forum, Medical Services Principal Secretary Dr. Ouma Oluga reaffirmed the government’s commitment to a coordinated, whole-of-government approach to the Ebola response, emphasising institutional preparedness, responsible communication and public awareness. He noted that all nine confirmed cases were within the known chain of transmission and involved contacts already in quarantine. The cases include four health workers, while 134 of the 135 identified contacts were in quarantine and under daily follow-up. Following Kenya’s confirmation of its first imported case of Bundibugyo Ebola Virus Disease, the State Department for Correctional Services has activated preparedness and response measures to strengthen institutional readiness and ensure a coordinated response. These measures include the establishment of a committee on Ebola Virus Disease preparedness, tasked with overseeing the Department’s prevention, preparedness and response efforts. Among the committee’s key responsibilities is coordinating staff sensitisation on Ebola prevention, early detection, reporting procedures, and infection prevention and control measures. The committee will also strengthen workplace infection prevention practices, review and update institutional business continuity, contingency and emergency preparedness plans, and promote the dissemination of accurate public health information while actively countering misinformation and disinformation.

Correctional Services Principal Secretary Dr. Salome Beacco has challenged Kenyans to take advantage of the projected rains to plant trees in support of the country’s goal of growing 15 billion trees by 2032. Speaking during a citizen engagement forum in Gatundu South Constituency, the PS said increased tree cover would support environmental restoration, combat climate change, protect water towers and sustain local livelihoods. The PS also distributed 10,000 certified Ruiru 11 coffee seedlings to farmers in the area to boost coffee production. She urged farmers to embrace coffee farming, noting that President William Ruto’s administration was implementing sweeping reforms to revive coffee as a major cash crop in Kenya. “Gatundu South has a rich agricultural heritage, with coffee farming remaining an important source of livelihood for many households. We recognize the importance of supporting farmers, strengthening agricultural productivity and creating opportunities that improve household incomes,” she observed. Dr. Beacco said the Saturday engagement reflected the Government’s commitment to bringing public services closer to the people. She noted that the forum provided an opportunity to listen to residents’ concerns and strengthen collaboration between the Government and the citizenry. Besides receiving coffee seedlings, residents benefited from the distribution of food and non-food items, including mattresses and blankets. During the engagement, the PS reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to decisively address the challenge of illicit brews. The efforts were supported by Ruiru Member of Parliament Simon Kingára and Kiambu Woman Representative Anne Muratha, who also attended the event. Meanwhile, 58 primary schools in the area benefited from 100 footballs donated by the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) to strengthen grassroots football development and build coaching capacity. Speaking during the distribution, FKF President Hussein Mohammed said the initiative demonstrated the federation’s commitment to nurturing football talent and developing the sport across Kenya.

It was a celebration of excellence as the State Department for Correctional Services recognised staff for exemplary performance during the Correctional Services Week 2026 Gala Dinner held on Thursday evening. The awards, which featured both institutional and individual categories, honoured winners for innovation, financial stewardship, technology adoption and the implementation of green solutions in line with this year’s theme, “Transforming Correctional Services through Technology and Green Solutions.” Correctional institutions were recognised for their achievements in sustained greening initiatives, environmental conservation, industrial capacity development and large-scale tree planting efforts. Speaking during the gala dinner, Cabinet Secretary for Tourism and Wildlife Hon. Rebecca Miano said this year’s theme aligns with the Government’s commitment to modernising public service delivery, embracing innovation and advancing sustainable development. “I urge the State Department for Correctional Services, the Kenya Prisons Service and the Probation and Aftercare Service to accelerate digitalisation, strengthen institutional efficiency, enhance accountability and embrace reliable data for evidence-based operational and strategic decision-making,” said the Cabinet Secretary. She noted that correctional services remain an essential pillar of the national security and justice architecture, with a mandate extending beyond the secure custody and supervision of offenders to include rehabilitation, cognitive behavioural interventions, reintegration and the prevention of reoffending. “Your ultimate measure of success must therefore go beyond the number of offenders managed to include safer communities, transformed lives and reduced recidivism,” she observed. Principal Secretary for Correctional Services Dr. Salome Beacco said the recognition of the winners demonstrates what dedication, discipline and teamwork can accomplish, highlighting the importance of collective effort in driving institutional excellence. “This speaks to the power of collective effort, where individual excellence is strengthened by the commitment and contribution of others,” she said. Dr. Beacco emphasised that transforming correctional services requires more than government intervention, calling for a robust, multi-pronged approach involving development partners, civil society, academia, communities, the private sector and other government agencies. Reaffirming his commitment to the ongoing reform agenda, Commissioner General of Prisons Patrick Aranduh said the Service remains ready to embrace modern correctional approaches. His sentiments were echoed by Secretary of the Probation and Aftercare Service Shadrack Kavutai. Football Kenya Federation President Hussein Mohammed, who also addressed the gathering, pledged the federation’s support for the State Department for Correctional Services in advancing ongoing rehabilitation and reformation efforts. The gala dinner marked the climax of the three-day Correctional Services Week 2026, which commenced on Tuesday and brought together correctional practitioners, government leaders, development partners and other stakeholders to advance reforms in Kenya’s correctional system.

The Correctional Service Week 2026 closed on Thursday amid renewed optimism that the State Department for Correctional Services will accelerate efforts to mainstream sustainable, resource-efficient and climate-resilient practices across the country’s correctional system. Speaking during the closing ceremony of the fourth edition of Correctional Service Week at the Edge Convention Centre in Nairobi, Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi called for increased investment in skills development and rehabilitation programmes for offenders, noting that correctional services can contribute to job creation, economic growth and safer communities. Mudavadi said rehabilitation should focus on addressing the root causes of offending and equipping inmates with the skills and values necessary to reintegrate into society as responsible citizens. “At the heart of everything we do lies a deeper purpose: facilitating genuine change in human lives,” he said. “Effective correctional services address the root causes of offending, reduce reoffending and prepare people to return as responsible members of society,” he added. His remarks placed offender rehabilitation within the broader national economic transformation agenda, which seeks to expand opportunities, improve livelihoods and promote inclusive development across different sections of society. State Department for Correctional Services Principal Secretary Dr. Salome Beacco emphasized that digital transformation must go beyond the acquisition of technology, noting that smart correctional governance is ultimately about restoring human dignity through innovation. She said this requires the capacity to adopt, adapt and effectively utilise appropriate innovations, upgrade professional skills, reduce administrative drudgery and fatigue, and unleash creativity across the correctional system. “Our objective remains: to leverage ICT to strengthen records management, accountability, operational efficiency and evidence-informed decision-making,” she said. On environmental sustainability, Beacco reaffirmed the department’s commitment to transitioning all correctional facilities to Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) and other clean energy solutions in line with the Government’s green agenda. “This is not just an environmental imperative; it is a health, economic, and human rights imperative. We invite development partners, the private sector and relevant government agencies to support this transition through appropriate technologies, financing and technical expertise,” she noted. Petroleum Principal Secretary Kello Harsama, who also addressed the forum, underscored the importance of embracing green solutions within the correctional system. He said his department was collaborating with the State Department for Correctional Services on a joint initiative to transition all Kenya Prisons Service and probation facilities from wood fuel to LPG and other clean energy alternatives. The closing ceremony brought together Commissioner General of Prisons Patrick Aranduh, Probation and Aftercare Service Secretary Shadrack Kavutai, local and international development partners, and officers drawn from across the State Department for Correctional Services.

Correctional experts are proposing a paradigm shift towards mainstreaming sustainable, resource-efficient and climate-resilient practices in the operations of the country’s correctional system. Speaking during the ongoing Correctional Service Week 2026, David Mui, Deputy Director at the Probation and Aftercare Service, cited Kimumu Probation Hostel as an example of best practice in environmental sustainability. The facility uses biogas for cooking and solar energy for lighting, practises zero-grazing integrated with vegetable gardening, maintains tree nurseries and grows climate-resilient crops, including Napier grass, using drip irrigation. Similarly, Margaret Anyova of Siaya Probation Female Hostel highlighted her station’s adoption of solar technology to power lighting and a borehole irrigation system, replacing reliance on the traditional electricity grid. She noted that the initiative prioritises basic human needs and safety by ensuring a more reliable supply of electricity and water. The solar-powered borehole has significantly reduced water shortages by providing a more consistent supply, while the irrigation system supports agricultural activities and equips clients with practical farming skills. The transition has also lowered operational costs and strengthened environmental sustainability. At the Kenya Prisons Service (KPS), SACGP Dan Obiero, Director of Planning, said the Service has implemented solar energy projects in partnership with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) at Nairobi Remand Prison and Kisumu Maximum Prison. He noted that the projects have facilitated uninterrupted virtual court sessions while reducing operational costs. Obiero further reaffirmed KPS’s commitment to the Greening Kenya Initiative, noting that the Service has so far planted over 10 million trees.

Correctional practitioners, national and international actors, experts, and other stakeholders gathered on the second day of Correctional Service Week 2026 to explore innovative approaches to reforming Kenya’s correctional system. In one of the sessions, which focused on technology-driven solutions for integrating offender records and automating correctional operations, experts called for the establishment of a unified information management system to improve the tracking of offender supervision, rehabilitation, and community reintegration. Complementing this vision, Ghislain d’Adesky of Telio Company, a strategic partner in correctional automation, presented digital solutions designed to transition correctional operations from paper-based processes to more efficient digital systems. He emphasised that successful implementation would require strong organisational commitment and strategic partnerships. Discussions highlighted how centralised data could strengthen coordination across correctional institutions, promote evidence-based decision-making, and ultimately support the successful rehabilitation and reintegration of offenders into society. The three-day conference, held under the theme “Transforming Correctional Services through Technology and Green Solutions,” will conclude on Thursday, October 15, with a gala dinner celebrating outstanding performers within the State Department for Correctional Services.

Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has said the adoption of modern technologies and green solutions remains a critical enabler of national development. Speaking in Nairobi during the official opening of the fourth edition of Correctional Service Week 2026, the Deputy President said the government recognises technology as a key driver of economic growth, institutional efficiency, innovation and improved public service delivery. He noted that this year’s theme, “Transforming Correctional Services through Technology and Green Solutions,” aligns with the national development agenda and underscores the urgent need to modernise public institutions, strengthen service delivery and pursue sustainable solutions to the challenges facing the country. “Our national development priorities, anchored in the five pillars of agricultural transformation, support for micro, small and medium enterprises, universal health coverage, affordable housing, and the digital superhighway and creative economy, demonstrate our commitment to building a modern, inclusive and productive economy,” said the Deputy President. He urged institutions to adopt secure, integrated and data-driven systems, leveraging artificial intelligence and data analytics to enhance operational efficiency and improve rehabilitation programmes. He further emphasised the importance of upholding human dignity, protecting personal data and strengthening cybersecurity to safeguard critical infrastructure. The Deputy President also called on the State Department for Correctional Services to align its digital initiatives with the National Digital Master Plan 2022–2032, the National E-Commerce Strategy 2023 and the National Artificial Intelligence Strategy 2025–2030, alongside applicable cybersecurity and data-protection frameworks. While commending the State Department for its efforts to reform the country’s correctional system, he underscored the importance of these reforms to national security, the administration of justice and the realisation of a safer, more just and prosperous Kenya. Speaking at the event, Principal Secretary for Correctional Services Dr. Salome Beacco reaffirmed the department’s commitment to transforming correctional institutions, restoring dignity, rehabilitating offenders, facilitating their successful reintegration into society and enhancing lasting public safety. She observed that achieving these objectives requires cooperation, coordination and multisectoral collaboration among government institutions and other stakeholders. “At the core of our mandate is the responsibility to promote a just and secure society through effective offender management and the administration of justice, guided by our pursuit of excellence in correctional services,” she said. Kenya’s Special Envoy for Climate Change in the Executive Office of the President, Ambassador Ali Mohammed, said technology and sustainability could transform the operations of correctional institutions, improve offender rehabilitation and better prepare individuals for life beyond custody. He noted that the growing challenges posed by climate change make the transformation of correctional services particularly urgent, calling for sustainable approaches that strengthen institutional resilience and environmental responsibility. Also present at the ceremony were National Assembly Justice and Legal Affairs Committee Chairperson Hon. George Murugara; Principal Secretary for Devolution Michael Lenasalon; Commissioner General of Prisons Patrick M. Aranduh; Secretary of the Probation and Aftercare Service Shadrack Kavutai; Community Service Orders Chairperson Lady Justice Margaret Muigai; Programme Director of The Prem Rawat Foundation–USA, Willow Baker; and UNODC Deputy Regional Representative Koen Marquering, among other stakeholders.

This year’s Correctional Service Week kicks off tomorrow, October 13, 2026, bringing together participants to share experiences, exchange ideas and explore innovative approaches to transforming correctional services through technology and green solutions. Held under the theme “Transforming Correctional Services through Technology and Green Solutions,” the fourth edition of the conference will run from October 13 to 15, 2026. The event will provide a platform for stakeholders to discuss strategies for strengthening ongoing reforms within Kenya’s correctional system. According to the Principal Secretary for Correctional Services, Dr. Salome Beacco, key areas of discussion will include the digitisation of services, adoption of clean and sustainable energy, climate-smart agriculture within correctional facilities, and the application of innovative technologies to improve operational efficiency and sustainability. The conference will conclude with a gala dinner celebrating outstanding correctional institutions and practitioners for their exemplary performance and contributions to the sector. The initiative seeks to generate practical ideas and solutions that will accelerate the transformation of correctional facilities into centres of excellence in renewable energy, modern technology and sustainable practices.

Correctional Services Principal Secretary Dr. Salome Beacco joined Communications and the Digital Economy Cabinet Secretary William Kabogo in mobilizing residents of Kamae in Kiambu County to plant trees during celebrations marking this year’s Mazingira Day. The ceremony, held at Kirasha Primary School grounds, was meant to rally area residents to plant 40,000 seedlings at the Kamae forest, with participants also encouraged to carry along tree seedlings to plant in their farms, as the government steps up efforts to meet its target of growing 15 billion trees by 2032. Speaking during the event, CS Kabogo said every Kenyan should take care of the environment by planting trees, urging area residents to plant at least 10 trees during this rainy season to support the Greening Kenya Initiative. While urging every Kenyan to join hands in supporting the president's Greening Kenya agenda, PS Beacco said the Correctional Services Department plans to plant at least 1 million trees during this rainy season. Under the theme, “Our Environment, Our Responsibility: Collective Action for Tree Growing and Environmental Stewardship, the government had also planned a Green Challenge to mobilize 200,000 Kenyans to plant six million trees within one hour on Mazingira Day, with Kiambu County being one of the regions chosen to undertake the exercise.

Happy Mazingira Day

Correctional Services Principal Secretary Dr. Salome Beacco on Friday attended the Public Sector Hearings for the Financial Year 2027/28 Medium Term Budget held at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre. The Session provided an opportunity for Accounting Officers, CEOs, technical budget officers, members of the public and stakeholders to present their views and submissions as part of the budget making process. The three day hearings commenced with presentations from the sectors of Health, General economic and commercial affairs, Energy, Infrastructure and ICT. The hearings will continue on Monday 12th and Tuesday 13th October with a presentation by the Governance, Justice, Law and Order Sector scheduled for Monday. In its analysis of the FY 2023/24 -2025/26 performance, the department, among others, provided custodial services to 62,196 inmates across 135 penal institutions, enrolled 12,588 offenders in formal education, 18,149 in vocational training, rehabilitated 86,443 offenders, recruited 3,897 Prison Officers and 738 Probation officers as well as trained 4,047 in-service prison officers and 1,143 probation officers.

The State Department for Correctional Services is enhancing its social crime prevention strategies through stronger community participation and partnerships. Speaking during the 3rd Community Probation Volunteers (CPV) Joint Coordinating Committee Meeting, Principal Secretary Dr. Salome Beacco emphasized that community-based interventions are critical in addressing challenges facing youth, including drug and substance abuse, crime, and reoffending. The meeting was held under the Project on Community-Based Crime Prevention, Supervision, Rehabilitation and Reintegration of Children and Young Persons in Conflict with the Law, implemented with support from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). To ensure the program's long-term sustainability beyond the project period, the PS stressed the need to integrate the CPV initiative into institutional plans and budgets. She also called for stronger mentorship, accountability, effective supervision of volunteers, and regular monitoring of program outcomes. Dr. Beacco noted that CPVs serve as a vital link between the Government and local communities, playing a key role in crime prevention and reintegration efforts. She urged stakeholders to strengthen collaboration and develop practical tools and training materials to enhance the program's effectiveness, while documenting successful interventions to build safer, more resilient communities. While reviewing the program progress, sustainability measures, and plans to expand the initiative to additional stations, Fumihiko Suzuki, Senior Representative of JICA Kenya, said the project has helped establish a sustainable community-level probation model in the country. The meeting brought together key partners and officials, including Ms. Yoko Kotoura, Director at JICA; Naoki Sugano, Deputy Director at UNAFEI; Rahab Kyengo, Director of Probation (representing the Secretary Probation and Aftercare Services); as well as senior probation officers and JICA representatives. The engagement reaffirmed the commitment of the State Department and its partners to strengthen community-based approaches that foster successful rehabilitation and reintegration of children and young persons in conflict with the law.