Correctional Services Principal Secretary Dr. Salome Beacco says Kenya is leveraging on best practices in ongoing efforts meant to reform its correctional system.
Speaking in Tokyo at the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) headquarters, on the ongoing partnership and collaboration on the project for Community- Based crime prevention, Supervision, Rehabilitation and Reintegration of children and young persons in conflict with the law, The PS said part of the plan includes a focus on legal and policy frameworks, rehabilitation programs, and partnerships.
Dr. Beacco further said Kenya will greatly benefit from ongoing cooperation with Japan especially on juvenile justice approach which is characterized by strong institutional coordination and a holistic focus on rehabilitation and reintegration.
Among the key areas of interest include unified oversight, emphasis on diversion where over 60 percent of juvenile cases are diverted from the traditional criminal justice to family courts, supportive half-way homes, policy alignment and comprehensive reintegration programmes.
During her visit to Japan, the PS had an opportunity to visit Fuchu prison which is one of the biggest prisons in Japan, the Kento regional parole board, Shizuoka probation office and Yaizu Offender rehabilitation support centre as well as meeting with UNEFAI Director Yoshimitsu Yamauchi.
The purpose of the visit was meant to provide the Kenyan delegation, which also includes Probation and Aftercare Service Secretary Dr. Christine Obondi, with first-hand knowledge on Japan’s relevant institutions and gain deeper insights into Japan’s systems that would help advance Kenya’s initiatives and accelerate targeted reforms.
Kenya, through the Probation and Aftercare Service, has been piloting Community-Based Crime Prevention, Supervision, Rehabilitation and Reintegration of Children and Young Persons in Conflict with the Law, in partnership with JICA since January 2024. The project is being implemented with the cooperation of the United Nations Asia and Far East Institute for the Prevention of Crime and the Treatment of Offenders (UNEFAI).
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