State Department for Correctional Services to Introduce Innovative Learning Programs with Certification for Inmates

 

By John Kariuki

The State Department for Correctional Services, under the leadership of Principal Secretary Dr. Salome Beacco, is set to introduce innovative learning programs aimed at providing offenders with formal and vocational training certifications. This transformative initiative is part of ongoing reforms targeting the correctional system, with the goal of enhancing the rehabilitation and reintegration of offenders into society.

Dr. Beacco, in a recent statement, emphasized that the new plan would introduce certifications that recognize specific competencies acquired by inmates during their time in the country’s correctional facilities. The vocational and professional certifications will serve as credible evidence of skills and knowledge gained, significantly increasing the chances of reformed offenders securing meaningful employment upon release and ultimately reducing the likelihood of recidivism.

“One of the primary reasons inmates are often reluctant to engage in vocational and professional training is the absence of a tangible certification to validate the skills they’ve acquired. This lack of formal recognition makes it harder for them to prove their abilities after leaving correctional facilities,” Dr. Beacco observed.

In her remarks, Dr. Beacco also highlighted the department’s ongoing efforts to engage key stakeholders and partners in support of the initiative, including developing standardized intervention guidelines that will provide a clear framework for the new certification system. The initiative aims not only to provide inmates with skills but also to equip them with credentials that are recognized in the workforce, enhancing their prospects for reintegration.

The United States International University-Africa (USIU-Africa), represented by its Vice Chancellor, Prof. Mwenda Ntarangwi, has also shown strong support for the project. During a meeting with Dr. Beacco’s team, Prof. Ntarangwi affirmed the institution's commitment to collaborating with the State Department for Correctional Services, offering expertise and resources to support the initiative. Prof. Ntarangwi praised the department's ongoing reform efforts and reiterated the institution’s readiness to play an integral role in facilitating the project’s success.

The State Department for Correctional Services is actively forging partnerships with various stakeholders to enhance the efficiency and capacity of correctional facilities across the nation. This collaborative effort will not only uplift the welfare of offenders but also contribute to the creation of a more rehabilitative and effective criminal justice system.

Through the visionary leadership of Dr. Salome Beacco and the continued support of its partners, this initiative promises to significantly improve the prospects of offenders, offering them a better chance at reintegration and reducing the cycle of repeat offenses.

April 21, 2025