Kenya Prison Service officers in past passing out parade/FILE
President William Ruto will tomorrow, August 24, preside over the 27th passing-out parade of Kenya Prisons Service officer cadets, as the correctional service marks a major milestone in strengthening its workforce and healthcare infrastructure.
The President is also expected to officially commission the Wanini Kireri Magereza Level IV Hospital and other development projects, including newly constructed housing units for prison officers.
The 150-bed hospital, named after the late Wanini Kireri, the first female commandant of the Kenya Prisons Service, is expected to strengthen access to specialised healthcare for prison staff, inmates and members of the public.
Ruto is also expected to flag off newly acquired vehicles for the Prisons Service following the passing-out ceremony.
The event will bring together two key milestones for the service: the graduation of newly trained officers and expansion of modern healthcare facilities within the correctional system.
The officer cadets have undergone a rigorous 13-month training programme combining classroom instruction with practical experience to prepare them for duties in the correctional and security sector.
Kenya Prison Service Commissioner General Patrick Aranduh with other senior officers when he inspected development projects at the college/KPSThe curriculum covers areas including legal procedures, security operations, prison management, discipline and other professional competencies required in the service.
Preparations for the ceremony have been stepped up, with Commissioner General of Prisons Patrick Aranduh conducting a dress rehearsal at the College to assess the readiness of the cadets and organisers.
Aranduh said the rehearsal was part of efforts to ensure the ceremony reflects the discipline and professionalism expected of the service.
“The passing-out parade is an important milestone for our officers. It marks the culmination of rigorous training and the beginning of their professional responsibility to the country,” Aranduh said.
He said the new officers would be expected to uphold integrity, discipline and professionalism as they take up their duties.
The commissioning of the Wanini Kireri Magereza Level IV Hospital will be another major highlight of the President's visit.
Wanini Kireri hospital at Prisons staff college in Ruiru, Kiambu/KPSThe ultra-modern facility has a capacity of 150 beds and is designed to serve prison officers, inmates and the surrounding community under a model similar to healthcare facilities operated by the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF).
The hospital began outpatient services after being operationalised in March.
Its establishment followed a presidential directive issued during the February passing-out parade for Kenya Prisons Service recruits, when the need to strengthen healthcare services within the correctional system was highlighted.
The facility has an Intensive Care Unit, High Dependency Unit, radiology and dental units, a maternity wing, male and female wards and a paediatric ward.
It will also provide specialised services, including renal and dental care, reducing the need for prison staff and inmates to seek certain services outside the correctional system.
The new staff housing units are also expected to improve the welfare of prison officers by providing better accommodation and supporting a conducive working environment.
Investment in personnel and infrastructure remains central to the transformation of the Prisons Service.
The developments come as the Kenya Prisons Service seeks to modernise its operations while strengthening rehabilitation, correctional management and staff welfare.
