Kenya’s Correctional Services Principal Secretary, Salome Beacco, has highlighted the critical role of community-based rehabilitation in managing offenders, saying it is key to prevention, reformation, and reintegration.
Speaking at a meeting with officials from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and the United Nations Asia and Far East Institute for the Prevention of Crime and the Treatment of Offenders (UNAFEI), Beacco highlighted that engaging local communities is essential for effective offender management.
The PS pointed to the ongoing three-year JICA-supported project targeting Kisumu, Machakos, Siaya, and Kiambu counties, which she said has already strengthened the capacity of the Probation and Aftercare Service.
“Through this partnership, we have strengthened the institutional capacity of the Probation and Aftercare Service in promoting community-based rehabilitation and enhancing community participation, which aligns with our national priorities for a humane, restorative, and effective correctional system,” Beacco said.
She added that the initiative has demonstrated the potential of community-driven approaches to reduce recidivism, facilitate social reintegration, and increase public confidence in the justice system. The programme specifically focuses on children and young people in conflict with the law, giving communities a direct role in their supervision and rehabilitation.
Beacco also stressed the need to onboard more partners to fill funding gaps not covered by government allocations. She said the State Department for Correctional Services intends to roll out the programme nationwide.
“Community-based rehabilitation is key in the realization of envisaged reforms within the country’s correctional system,” she added.
At the same forum, Probation and Aftercare Service Secretary Christine Obondi noted that the project, now halfway through implementation, shows how collaboration can drive meaningful reform.
“The community-based approach ensures that rehabilitation is not only institutional but integrated with the local population, fostering ownership and long-term effectiveness,” Obondi said.
JICA Deputy Director Hitomi Maruyama reaffirmed her organization’s commitment to supporting Kenya in integrating community-based rehabilitation concepts across the country.
A central pillar of the initiative is the Community Probation Volunteers (CPV) project, which aligns with the United Nations Standard Minimum Rules for Non-Custodial Measures, known as the Tokyo Rules.
The CPV programme trains local volunteers, raises awareness about crime prevention, and works alongside probation officers in the pilot counties.
By involving communities directly in offender management, the initiative aims to create a sustainable model for reducing crime and supporting reintegration, in line with Kenya’s Vision 2030 and the Sustainable Development Goals.
