Kenya’s correctional system is undergoing a major transformation as the government intensifies reforms designed to strengthen rehabilitation and reduce repeat offending.

Deputy President Kithure Kindiki said the reforms seek to ensure prisons become centres of correction where inmates acquire education, vocational skills and mentorship before returning to society.

His speech, delivered by Chief of Staff Dr. Christopher Wanjau during the donation of mattresses and other items to Nairobi West Prison, underscored the government’s long-term correctional agenda.

“The journey of reforming our prisons and other correctional facilities is on course to enable them to comprehensively and meaningfully rehabilitate citizens who in one way or the other have been in conflict with the law and serving time in the institutions.”

Kindiki said substantial public investment has already been directed toward improving prison infrastructure and rehabilitation programmes.

“The government has invested a substantial amount of resources; financial, human and material, to facilitate coordinated, sustainable and comprehensive rehabilitation of all inmates in the correctional facilities. This includes equipping them with necessary and relevant knowledge and expertise that will help transform them and make their reintegration back to the society successful and beneficial.”

He appealed to communities to support ex-offenders in rebuilding their lives.

“This is possible when we give them opportunities to earn an honest living from the skills, training and mentorship received through the Prisons Reforms Programme.”

Correctional Services Principal Secretary Salome Beacco said prison reforms are aligned with a justice system that promotes rehabilitation and public safety.

“This thoughtful gesture reflects the Government’s unwavering commitment to improving the welfare of persons in custody and strengthening the correctional system as an integral component of the administration of justice.”

She added that decent living conditions directly contribute to successful rehabilitation outcomes.

“Decent living conditions are fundamental to creating an environment where correctional programmes can thrive and where offenders are empowered to reform, acquire skills, and successfully reintegrate into society upon release.”

The ceremony was attended by Commissioner General Patrick Aranduh, Deputy Commissioner General Jane Kirii and senior officers from the Kenya Prisons Service.