THARAKA NITHI, Kenya, Feb 22 — Correctional Services Principal Secretary Mary Muthoni has called on County Governments and the local communities to work closely with the National government in advocating for alternative conflict resolution.
She singled Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) crucial to aiding government efforts to decongest the country’s prisons.
Speaking at Chuka Prisons in Tharaka Nithi County on Wednesday, PS Muthoni said the prisons are congested with petty offenders who would instead be serving within communities if forgiveness and reconciliation efforts are given a chance.
“There are some things these lovely people did and they regret. If they were given a chance to say sorry I am sure the matter would be resolved amicably,” she said.
“Some of them would not even be here if the matter was resolved before it reached to the authorities. So we must start forgiving and solving issues from the basics. From our nuclear families.”
Petty crimes
The PS who revealed that majority of the inmates are below 35 urged young people to avoid crime.
“It is sad that some of these offenders are people under the age of 35 years. These are young people who are supposed to be outside there contributing to the economy of this country,” she said .
“To the young people out there. Please conduct yourselves with the decency that the law requires. This will save you from being in conflict with the law and it will also ensure that we have a harmonious society that we all desire.”
Prison relocation
Muthoni was in Tharaka Nithi County on invitation of Governor Muthomi Njuki.
The two agreed on the relocation of Chuka Prison to a 60 acre piece of land in Kabarianga area.
The Governor had made the request to allow the land held by Chuka Prison to be availed for the expansion of Chuka’s Central Business District (CBD).
“That Land where the prison sits is very close to the highway and the CBD. We want to build a level V hospital which will be more beneficial to the community and put up other establishments which will ensure proper service delivery to our people,” Governor Njuki said.
The county offered the 60-acre piece of land to the State Department of Correctional Service. The PS said a modern facility where inmates will be hosted shall be erected once the transfer process is completed.
