Correctional Service Department recognises staff for exemplary performance

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 (CS) for Tourism and Wildlife 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,” rallied the CS.

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 established.

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 maintained that 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.

Meanwhile, 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.

By Michael Omondi