Correctional Service Week 2024 kick off: A new era for mental health in Kenyan prisons
Nairobi, October 22, 2024 — The annual Correctional Service Week has launched with a powerful message: the well-being of staff, inmates, and ex-convicts is paramount for a functional correctional system. Under the theme “Mental Health Wellness for Effective Service Delivery.”
This year’s event aims to reshape the approach to mental health within Kenya’s correctional facilities.
Cabinet Secretary for Investments, Trade, and Industry, Salim Murya, opened the event, advocating for a significant shift in how mental health challenges are addressed. “We must embrace a collaborative approach,” he urged, emphasizing the need for integrated strategies that prioritize mental wellness across all levels of the correctional system. His call for a holistic response resonated with attendees, setting the tone for the week.
Dr. Salome Beacco, Principal Secretary for the State Department for Correctional Services, echoed Murya’s sentiments, highlighting plans to foster a supportive environment for staff and inmates alike. “Our commitment is to create a culture where mental health is recognized as essential for effective service delivery,” she stated, outlining key objectives for the week: promoting inclusivity, raising mental health awareness, mobilizing resources, and empowering staff to tackle mental health challenges head-on.
This year’s activities include workshops and training sessions focusing on stress management, emotional intelligence, and holistic wellness. The significance of these initiatives was underscored by the participation of representatives from 137 Kenya Prisons Service institutions and 148 probation stations, showcasing a nationwide commitment to mental health.
As part of the week’s agenda, participants will also engage in discussions about the National Guidelines on Mental Health and Wellness, which aim to transform correctional facilities into supportive environments. “We cannot address mental health in isolation from broader social issues,” Murya pointed out, noting that many inmates face challenges rooted in poverty and lack of education.
The week also serves as a reminder of the importance of community support for ex-convicts. In Nanyuki, residents were encouraged to embrace and assist ex-inmates in their reintegration into society, reinforcing the message that mental health support extends beyond prison walls.
Dr. Beacco highlighted notable achievements over the past year, including the establishment of the Priaqua Bottling Plant and educational initiatives that culminate in the upcoming graduation of 56 inmates and prison officers with degrees in law. This milestone reflects the strategic use of education as a rehabilitation tool, further aligning with the event’s focus on mental health.
As the event unfolds, participants will have access to mental health and wellness booths, offering crucial support and resources. Dr. Beacco reminded everyone of the importance of prioritizing mental health: “Your mental health is a priority. Your happiness is a priority. Your self-care is a priority.”
Correctional Service Week is not just a celebration; it is a call to action. It marks the beginning of a roadmap aimed at establishing a correctional system where mental wellness is the foundation for effective service and rehabilitation. The collaborative spirit fostered during this week will be vital in shaping the future of correctional services in Kenya.
With a focus on actionable strategies and community involvement, Correctional Service Week 2024 promises to usher in a new era for mental health awareness and support within Kenya’s correctional institutions, paving the way for a more humane and effective approach to justice.
