NAIROBI, Kenya — The State Department for Correctional Services is exploring the establishment of a dedicated counter-terrorism centre aimed at rehabilitating and reintegrating offenders accused of violent extremism, Principal Secretary Dr. Salome Beacco has revealed.
Speaking during a meeting with Search for Common Ground Country Director Judy Kimamo, the PS said the initiative is part of a broader agenda to transform offenders into productive members of society while enhancing the capacity of probation officers and Kenya Prisons Service officers to manage complex criminal cases.
“The centre will focus on engagement, education, and disengagement, providing tailored programs for individuals involved in violent extremism to steer them away from crime and radical ideologies,” said Dr. Beacco.
The proposed counter-terrorism facility would complement existing crime prevention efforts, including community dialogues that bring together correctional officers and community members, particularly young people, to discuss the dangers of crime and the benefits of constructive engagement.
The State Department for Correctional Services is partnering with stakeholders to enhance the capacity of both probation officers and Kenya Prisons Service officers to handle complexities of violent crime.In a meeting with Search for Common Ground Country Director Judy Kimamo,
Kimamo pledged her organization’s support, highlighting that Search for Common Ground would assist in capacity-building, offender rehabilitation, and peace-building initiatives, particularly those aimed at strengthening legislative frameworks, operational readiness, and collaboration among stakeholders.
Also present at the meeting was Acting Probation and Aftercare Secretary Shadrack Kavutai, who emphasized the importance of multi-agency partnerships in addressing violent crime and preventing radicalization within communities and correctional facilities.
Dr. Beacco said the counter-terrorism centre is envisioned as a holistic approach, merging security measures with social and psychological rehabilitation to reduce recidivism among offenders involved in violent extremism.
Kenya has increasingly emphasized rehabilitation over purely punitive measures, recognizing that deradicalization and reintegration programs are critical for long-term national security and community safety.
