Mombasa: The State Department for Correctional Services, in collaboration with the Dawoodi Bohra community, has inaugurated a new library at the Mombasa Remand Prison, aiming to enhance rehabilitation efforts through improved access to educational resources for inmates. Dr. Salome Muhia Beacco, Principal Secretary of the State Department for Correctional Services, emphasized the significance of this development during the inauguration ceremony.
According to Kenya News Agency, Dr. Beacco highlighted the contributions of the Dawoodi Bohra community, which sponsored the project by donating over 800 books, 10 desks, and 300 pairs of shoes. Additionally, the community is engaged in a borehole project at Shimo la Tewa Medium Prison to improve water accessibility. Dr. Beacco reiterated that education is pivotal to rehabilitation, stating that the library represents a place of transformation where inmates can rediscover their potential and prepare for societal reintegration.
Dr. Beacco further explained that the government is committed to enhancing conditions across correctional facilities, citing recent reforms such as distributing beds to various prisons, including 800 to Kiambu Prison, 260 to Kajiado Prison, and 450 to Nairobi West Prison. The Dawoodi Bohra community has also pledged Sh300,000 for further improvements, including purchasing additional beds.
Encouraging inmates to utilize the new library, Dr. Beacco emphasized its role in fostering resilience and human potential. Plans include adding more computers to support e-learning, ensuring every inmate has the opportunity for personal growth. Access to books on vocational skills, cultural knowledge, and personal development is expected to aid in reducing recidivism and promoting reintegration.
The Principal Secretary praised the Dawoodi Bohra community for their wider contributions to national development, including efforts in education, environmental conservation, and humanitarian support. Amina Abdalah, Chairperson of the Mombasa Women Empowered Network, contributed by donating a desktop computer to facilitate digital learning and advocated for regular reviews of non-violent cases to alleviate congestion in remand and prison facilities.
The partnership between the Dawoodi Bohra community and the State Department for Correctional Services not only fills a room with books but also instills confidence, dignity, and hope among inmates at Mombasa Remand Prison.
