By Wasike Elvis
The Kenya Prisons Service has successfully concluded a region-wide inter-station sports competition in the Rift Valley, bringing together officers from 40 different prison stations in a spirited event aimed at promoting mental health, developing talent, and boosting the overall morale of the correctional workforce. The competition, which began in September 2024, was delayed slightly due to operational demands but wrapped up triumphantly this May, drawing praise from stakeholders in the justice, health, and administrative sectors.
A Platform for Wellness, Talent, and Motivation
Rift Valley Prisons Commander Barnabas Keino, who spearheaded the initiative, hailed the success of the tournament during the closing ceremony held at the Eldoret Main Prison grounds. He emphasized that the event was born out of deliberate planning and consultation with officers, aimed at addressing the growing concerns around mental wellness within the prison service.
“We sat down with our officers and came up with a plan for an inter-station competition. Our Rift Valley region has 40 stations, and the officers competed amongst themselves. Last year’s event ended successfully, and it encouraged us to continue this initiative,” said Commander Keino. “This year, the tournament started on 11th September 2024. It took longer than expected due to operational exigencies, but we are happy to have completed it successfully.”
Keino highlighted that the competition’s primary objective was not only physical activity but to provide a supportive environment where officers could connect, unwind, and build camaraderie. “The aim was to address mental health challenges, promote physical wellness, and allow officers to express their talents. The impact has been immense, and we’ve seen the quality of play improve significantly,” he noted.
According to Keino, the success of this regional initiative has laid the foundation for a broader national engagement. “In October, we will move a notch higher as our region prepares to participate in the Commissioner General’s Championships, where we’ll compete with officers from other regions across Kenya,” he revealed.
Tackling Stagnation and Inspiring Service Excellence
Commander Keino also pointed out that alongside the tournament, a wave of promotions had been announced from the office of the Commissioner General during the month of May. These promotions were strategically timed to address long-standing stagnation issues and to uplift the morale of officers across all ranks.
“You can now see the difference — our officers are motivated and energized. A motivated officer is one who provides quality service, especially in our rehabilitation programs. This is what we aim to continue cultivating in our service,” he said.
Justice Sector Support and Broader Stakeholder Involvement
The tournament drew attention from across the justice sector, with Eldoret’s Chief Magistrate Dennis Mikoyan describing the event as a perfect example of institutional collaboration. “We have a strong partnership through the Court Users Committee, where the GK Prisons are a crucial part of the justice system,” he said.
“There was no better time to hold this event than during Mental Health Awareness Month. It has provided a platform for judiciary officers, prison staff, and other stakeholders to mingle and interact outside formal settings,” added Mikoyan.
He further explained that while the judiciary and prisons have distinct roles, they share a common responsibility in upholding justice and human rights. “GK Prisons ensure the humane custody of remandees and facilitate the justice system. This partnership is strengthened through such initiatives. I’m also pleased to announce that the Judiciary is planning a National Judiciary Sports Day in September, and all stakeholders, including the prisons, are invited,” he said.
County and Health Sector Applause
Uasin Gishu County Commissioner, Dr. Eddyson Nyale, congratulated Eldoret Main Prison for emerging victorious after an exciting final match against Kericho Main Prison. He underscored the importance of such initiatives in curbing the silent epidemic of mental health issues among security officers.
“We applaud the organizers for recognizing the critical importance of mental wellness among our officers, many of whom suffer from depression, stress, and burnout in silence. Sporting events like this help alleviate these pressures and create a sense of community and belonging,” said Dr. Nyale.
The health sector also played a significant role in the tournament’s success, with TopHill Hospital emerging as one of the major sponsors. Ramona Chebet Kilel, representing the hospital, expressed her organization’s pride in supporting the event.
“As TopHill Hospital, we are proud to be part of this transformative initiative. We are committed to supporting prison officers and the sports sector at large, especially in raising awareness about mental health issues affecting men,” said Kilel.
She highlighted the generous contribution by TopHill Hospital’s CEO and Lead Surgeon, Dr. Florentius Koech, who donated trophies, sports jerseys, and essential medical services to ensure the event’s success. “Sport is a powerful tool for unity and mental healing. We believe in using such opportunities to promote health, reduce stigma, and bring communities together,” she said.
A Celebration of Unity, Strength, and Hope
The tournament concluded on a high note, not just as a celebration of athletic prowess but as a deeply meaningful initiative with far-reaching implications for the mental wellness and professional motivation of Kenya’s prison officers.
As the region now sets its sights on the national Commissioner General’s Championships later this year, the positive ripple effect of the Rift Valley tournament continues to be felt across the justice and security sectors — uniting people, strengthening partnerships, and reaffirming the power of sports to transform lives.
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