The Principal Secretary for Correctional Services, Salome Beacco, has outlined ambitious goals for her department in 2025, focusing on digitizing operations and improving the living conditions of inmates across the country.
In a candid interview with the media on Tuesday, PS Salome shared that one of her key priorities for this year is to move all prison and probation services online. She revealed that the department is in the final stages of rolling out a comprehensive digital transformation initiative for all 136 prisons in Kenya. This includes shifting all programs, both in the prisons and the probation and aftercare services, to digital platforms by the end of 2025.
Salome expressed pride in the progress made, citing a collaboration with the ICT department and the World Bank to digitize prison operations. "Last year, we formed a committee, developed a concept note, and secured support through the World Bank program to digitize all our programs across the country’s prisons," she explained.
This digital shift aligns with President William Ruto's vision to modernize government services and enhance accessibility for all Kenyans.
In addition to digital advancements, Salome highlighted efforts to improve the welfare of both inmates and staff. She emphasized that male prisoners, who have often lacked proper bedding, will be prioritized in a new initiative to ensure they receive beds, mattresses, and blankets similar to the better accommodations provided for female inmates. "Male inmates should enjoy the same living standards as female inmates, in line with the Mandela Rules," she said. This will include the introduction of triple-decker beds to maximize space and comfort in overcrowded facilities.
Salome also addressed ongoing efforts to reclaim land that has been illegally seized or encroached upon at various prison sites. Working with the National Lands Commission and the Ministry of Lands, the department is making steady progress, though some land recovery cases are still pending. "While the recovery process is slower than we hoped, it's moving forward," she said.
Recovered land is being utilized to expand agricultural projects, including horticulture and seed growing, which aim to contribute to Kenya's food production. The department is also helping farmers purchase certified seeds, with projects such as the orchard in Nyandarua playing a vital role.
Regarding the critical issue of prison overcrowding, Salome reported that the number of inmates has decreased from 64,000 to 59,900, thanks to decongestion efforts. The department is working closely with local governors to place petty offenders under probation for community service, which will help alleviate overcrowding in prisons while providing useful labor in public offices and markets.
The PS also commended the improvements in prison workshops, which have been upgraded with modern equipment thanks to support from development partners. The prison department is known for producing high-quality furniture, some of which is used by government offices. However, budget cuts last year affected the demand for this furniture.
"Though many orders were placed, the austerity measures slowed down the uptake, but we remain hopeful that the situation will improve as budgets are reviewed this year," she noted.
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