The Community Probation Volunteers project, an initiative that seeks to entrench best practices in community-based crime prevention, supervision, rehabilitation and reintegration of children and young persons in conflict with the law received a boost with the donation of three vehicles from Japan International Cooperation Agency.
Speaking during the handover ceremony at Makadara Boys Probation Hostel, Correctional Services Principal Secretary Dr Salome Beacco noted that the donation is a major milestone in Kenya’s ongoing efforts to reform the correctional system.
“The vehicles will empower Probation officers and the community volunteers to extend their reach into communities, where rehabilitation and reintegration efforts matter most,” said the PS.
The vehicles, which is part of the five donated by JICA, will be deployed in Siaya, Machakos, and Kiambu counties which will go a long way in easing mobility challenges for Probation officers and community volunteers engaged in offender supervision, family support, and community engagement programmes.
The Principal Secretary stated that the donations underscore the strong collaboration between Kenya and Japan in justice and social reintegration and reaffirm Japan’s commitment to support Kenya’s community-based rehabilitation reforms.
“This partnership reflects our shared vision of a justice system that not only corrects but also restores lives, with support from JICA, we are taking concrete steps towards building safer communities through rehabilitation and reintegration. “She emphasised. ”
Senior JICA representative at the Kenya office, Fumihiko Suzuki, appreciated the State Department’s commitment guidance in implementing the project, noting its vital role in promoting rehabilitation programmes within the Probation and Aftercare Services.
He expressed satisfaction with the service delivery in Kenya, adding that the vehicles will greatly assist in supervising projects and activities.
Probation and Aftercare Service Secretary Dr. Christine Obondi was also present during the ceremony.
The Community Probation Volunteers Project (CPV) which is the heart of this initiative, aligns with the United Nations Standard Minimum Rules for Non-Custodial Measures (Tokyo Rules) which stresses the importance of community involvement in the justice system aligning with the Country’s Vision 2030 and the Sustainable Development Goals.
Dubbed community-based crime prevention, supervision, rehabilitation and re-integration of children and young persons in conflict with the law in Kenya, the project will cover the period between 2024 and 2027 targeting four counties of Kisumu, Machakos, Siaya and Kiambu.
It aims to establish a probation model at the community level through awareness-raising activities targeting local citizens about community-based crime prevention, supervision, rehabilitation, and reintegration; training of community probation volunteers selected from among local citizens; and activities with probation officers in the pilot areas.
