In an announcement today at Kamiti Maximum Prison, the State Department of Correctional Services Principal Secretary (PS) Salome Beacco revealed significant progress in settling the debt owed to the National Industrial Training Institute (NITA). This development paves the way for inmates to receive NITA certification, a crucial step towards their reintegration into society.
Speaking during the reception of donations from Accept International, a Japanese non-governmental organization (NGO), Beacco emphasized the department’s collaboration with the industry to ensure that every inmate has the opportunity to obtain a NITA certificate. “We are nearing the completion of the loan we have with NITA so that inmates will be able to do NITA exams and all those who will do the exams may be able to get their certificates,” she said. This initiative aims to equip inmates with the skills necessary to secure employment upon their release.
The PS highlighted the department’s mission to reform, rehabilitate, and reintegrate inmates. “Our mandate is to ensure that our clients are reformed, rehabilitated, and are properly integrated back into society,” Beacco stated. She also called upon inmates to embrace technical training, noting the addition of more equipment and workshops to support their education in various technical courses offered within the prison system.
The event also marked the opening of a new counseling facility at Kamiti Maximum Prison, further underscoring the department’s commitment to comprehensive rehabilitation.
Accept International’s Country Director, Hassan Abdikadir, spoke about their efforts to rehabilitate inmates, particularly those who have been involved in extremist activities. “We help them by providing education, awareness, and the support they need to avoid radicalization,” he said. Abdikadir detailed the projects undertaken by Accept International at Kamiti Maximum Prison and Shimo La Tewa Prison, each valued at Ksh2 million. These projects include the construction of counseling rooms, renovation of vocational training rooms, care counseling, training of trainers for prison and probation officers, provision of vocational training tools, and improvements to sanitation and security, including the installation of CCTV cameras.
The collaboration between the State Department of Correctional Services and Accept International reflects a robust approach to prisoner rehabilitation, ensuring that inmates have the skills and support necessary for a successful return to society.
