Internal Security Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo during the meeting/FILE
The government is advancing reforms in the correctional services sector, with a new policy awaiting Cabinet-level approval as part of efforts to modernise prisons, probation and aftercare services.
The Correctional Services Policy has been developed and is awaiting progression through the relevant Cabinet processes, the Governance and Public Administration Sub-Committee of the National Development Implementation Committee said on Friday.
The committee, chaired by Principal Secretary for Internal Security and National Administration Raymond Omollo, said approval of the policy would pave the way for wider reforms within the Kenya Prisons Service and Probation and Aftercare Services.
The reforms are also expected to strengthen coordination between correctional institutions and other agencies within the criminal justice system.
The committee said progress had also been made in the operationalisation of Usalama Medical Cover, which is intended to support the welfare of prison officers.
Plans are also underway to provide additional housing for prison officers as part of wider efforts to improve staff welfare.
Correctional facilities are being modernised through a Rapid Results Initiative, while digitisation of correctional services is continuing.
The digitisation programme is aimed at improving records management, case management and coordination with other institutions in the justice sector.
The developments form part of a wider review of the government's progress in implementing policies, legislation and programmes under the Kenya Kwanza administration.
At the beginning of the administration's implementation cycle, State Departments identified 26 policy initiatives, 43 legislative initiatives and 18 statutory instruments they committed to complete.
The committee said some legislative measures had gone through the parliamentary process and received presidential assent, while other Bills remain before Parliament.
It said State Departments with outstanding policy, legislative or regulatory measures would review their status and accelerate the necessary approvals.
The review also found that about 68 per cent of Cabinet decisions made in 2025 remain at various stages of implementation.
The committee identified inadequate budgetary allocations and delays in the release of funds as some of the recurring challenges affecting implementation.
It said the government would continue working to address the challenges as ministries and State Departments implement the development and reform agenda.
The government is also considering a structured housing-financing model for security officers, which could allow them to access decent housing through predictable repayment arrangements.
Under the proposed model, financing for a defined number of housing units could be secured upfront, with participating officers repaying the cost progressively over an agreed period.
The committee said the approach would provide a sustainable way of improving housing conditions for security officers while supporting long-term investment in staff welfare.
The review also highlighted delays affecting some completed markets, with additional works such as cold rooms, changing facilities and other supporting infrastructure still required before some facilities can become fully operational.
The committee said clearer agreements between the national and county governments were being developed to define responsibilities for the operation and management of the facilities.
It said the experience had highlighted the need for future projects to be designed and procured as complete and fully operational facilities.
The committee said the government would maintain momentum in implementing its development and reform agenda, stressing that policies and laws must translate into practical benefits for citizens.
"Approved policies must translate into action, enacted laws must be understood and enforced, completed infrastructure must be put to use," the committee said.
