Working with Government
Pioneering
Philemon pioneered access to prisons in Kenya - it was the first charitable organisation to be allowed inside prison walls in Kenya during the Moi era.
It has been an honour for Philemon to be at the forefront of changes in attitudes towards NGO activity in Kenyan prisons. Philemon now uses its connections and close relationship with government to facilitate and broker prison access for other charitable groups.
None of this would be possible without the unparalleled relationship of trust which Philemon enjoys with the national prison authorities.
Kelvin is often invited to speak at national seminars and to assist in policy reviews and reform initiatives.
Kelvin's Work
Kelvin has recently:
- spoken to a national government-sponsored prison chaplain’s conference;
- received an appointment to sit on a new court committee for the selection of candidates eligible to receive community service orders;
- received an appointment to the board of the Nairobi Probation Hostel;
- visited a number of Kenya’s young offender’s institutions, to advise as to how the running of the institutions might be improved;
- shared the experience of Philemon with officials at the Vice-President’s 3-day symposium for Kenyan police, prison and probation services regarding care in the community in Kenya; and
- received an appointment to the central task-force charged with formulating Government aftercare policy.
The Ministry of Home Affairs has at times provided food and support to the Half-Way Home and has invited Philemon to participate in the vocational training of offenders serving community service orders.
Philemon is actively investigating the possibility of other government support
This is ground-breaking work and it is a privilege for Philemon to be at the heart of Government initiative in this important area. Philemon hopes and prays that the Government would take seriously its responsibility to the lowest and weakest in society.
