Sierra Leone’s Correctional Service Chief Leads Delegation at the Pan-African Human Rights Workshop in Nairobi

The Director General of Sierra Leone’s Correctional Service, Mr. Joseph John Senesie led Sierra Leone’s delegation at the High-Level Consultative Workshop for Chiefs of African Correctional Services on Human and People’s Rights, held in Nairobi, Kenya, from 16–18 September 2025.

The workshop was organized by the Raoul Wallenberg Institute of Human Rights and International Law, in collaboration with the Government of Kenya through the State Department of Correctional Services and the Kenya Prisons Service.

This year’s gathering aimed to show practical, rights-based, regionally grounded solutions that are sustainable and applicable, advancing correctional reforms across Africa. It brought together chiefs of multiple African Correctional Services for a high-level strategic exchange on persistent, current, and emerging challenges affecting the smooth operation of correctional and prison services across the continent.

The workshop was presided over by the Hon. Geoffrey Kiringa Ruku, Cabinet Secretary for the Ministry of Public Service, Performance, and Special Programs. In his address, the CS urged all African Correctional Services chiefs to undertake major reforms in the treatment of inmates and in the management of correctional facilities, aligning with international conventions on human and people’s rights. He also highlighted the longstanding challenges that have bedevilled African correctional services and encouraged leaders to remain steadfast in meeting international standards for African correctional and prison services.

While on an official assignment in Kenya, the Director General and his delegation called on High Commissioner Lavahun, who warmly welcomed them to the Chancery in Nairobi.

Accompanying the Director General were senior Sierra Leonean officials and delegation members such as Sup. Simeon Sillah, Head , ICDU ; Sup. Elizabeth Y. Kamara, ( Finance Officer) Correctional Training School ; Madam Halimatu K. Dumbuya, Senior Budget Officer- Sierra Leone Correctional Service ; and Mr. Jeremiah Aiah Moigbeh, Second Secretary – Sierra Leone High Commission Kenya.

A. B. Dakowa
SLHC, Kenya.