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Kenyans have been encouraged to accommodate ex-convicts back into society, as most found it hard to settle after they have served their imprisonment term and been released.
Laikipia County Probation Coordinator Francis Kamau, speaking to the KNA in Nanyuki Town on Tuesday during the commemoration of correctional service week, revealed that inmates acquired life-changing skills in prison; hence, they could be productive members of society if well reintegrated.
“They are released after they have fully reformed, and we call upon their families and the community to accept them back. Don’t see them as lawbreakers; they have been trained in courses like tailoring, masonry, and hairdressing, among others. When out, they can rely on themselves,” said Kamau.
Superintendent of Prisons at the Nanyuki GK Prison, Danson Atama, noted that they supported inmates’ reform through religious teachings and imparting technical skills while serving their sentences.
This comes even as Kenyans celebrate correctional service week under the theme ‘Mental Health Awareness,’ aimed at raising awareness of the rehabilitation and reforming offenders. Correctional service week is marked on October 22 annually.
“We try to make sure our inmates are taught mental health aimed at effective service delivery at their respective places of work. We reform them through justice and help them overcome stress,” revealed Atama.
He highlighted that sporting activities helped improve the inmates’ mental wellness.
At the same time, probation officers were trained on handling stressful work situations in their line of duty, including emotional distress, cognitive changes, burnout and compassion fatigue, and interpersonal relationships, to ensure effective service delivery.
By Muturi Mwangi
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