1. Vocational Training and Remote Parenting Concept in Kenya Prisons Presentation by COI Oliver Rapando Programme Liaison Officer- PRAWA Kenya Prisons Service

2. 2 nd Biennial Conference Kampala, Uganda 2 nd to 5 th October 2012 Kampala, Uganda. AFRICA CORRECTIONAL SERVICES ASSOCIATION (ACSA)

3. Introduction Kenya Prisons Service (KPS) is established under Prisons Act Cap 90 and Borstal Institutions Act Cap 92 of the laws of Kenya. It is a department in the Office of the Vice President and Ministry of Home Affairs as an integral component of the criminal justice system in Kenya. The department is headed by the Commissioner of Prisons. There are currently 107 prisons including three institutions for young offenders. Prison population oscillates between 45,000- 50,000 inmates.

4. Int. Ctnd. The Department is mandated to perform the following functions: i.to contain and keep offenders in safe custody under humane conditions; ii.to rehabilitate offenders; and iii.to facilitate administration of justice; and iv.provision of facilities for children below the age of four year accompanying their mothers to prison

5. Rehabilitation Programs Vocational Training Constitute a major rehabilitation programs in KPS This include but not limited to computer training, formal education, farming, commercial education programs, industrial training, hair dressing, and beauty design, A number of prisons are producing food sufficient to feed its prison population. Some prisons are self sufficient in vegetables production and rely on what is produced on their farms. Reduced costs for running prisons

6. Remote Parenting in Prisons KPS holds open days in prisons to enable prisoners unite with family members usually during school holidays. Parents unite with children to monitor with progress of their children in school. This is a borrowed system from the Chinese model. Research has showed that it helps to reduce tension in prison as prisoners are able to follow- up on what is happening in the community.

7. Tool for re-intergration Remote parenting has proven to be a useful tool for re-intergrating inmates back to the society. Helps to reduce recidivism thereby addressing increasing prison population. There are no cases reported of ex-convicts being rejected by the community

8. Way Forward Enhanced collaboration with stakeholders in CJS- Police, Judiciary, Prosecution, Investigation, Civil society, Government ministries media, among others. Embrace the concept of PPP in addressing some of the challenges in funding, staff housing, infrastructure improvement. Open Door Policy- Local and International donors to take prisons reform to next level.