Kenyans have been urged to be accommodative by accepting convicts who have served their terms back to the society after their release from prison.
The correctional facilities stakeholders noted that some of the ex-convicts ended up going back to prison after they have been released owing to discrimination and stigmatization by society.
Principal Secretary of Correctional |Services Ms Salome Biacco while speaking in Nanyuki GK Prison in Laikipia County during her familiarization tour said that the prison department was implementing programmes aimed at making offenders turned into productive members of the society once they are freed from jail.
“Let us help prisoners so that after they are released, they don’t get rearrested and this is what the correctional department is trying to do. Accept them back in your society,” said the PS.
She noted that the correctional facilities equipped the prisoners with artisan and entrepreneurial skills and called on Kenyans to support them by purchasing their items.
“We encourage you to come and buy the merchandise made by those behind bars. Part of that income is channeled to train them to ensure after they have been released from jails, they can earn a living,” said Ms Biacco.
She further called on more partners to join hands and support the correctional facilities in the country through counseling and rehabilitation.
“If you’re a counseling expert, talk to us, come and help inmates change their behaviours for a better country. Let’s partner and support our people,” the PS appealed.
During her visit, Ms Biacco commissioned the construction of a resource centre donated by Faraja Foundation, a non-governmental organization that aims to empower inmates through counseling and entrepreneurial skills.
Brigadier (Rtd.) John Kibaso Warioba lauded Faraja Foundation for their continued support over the years to Kenyan prisons.
He noted that the resource center would host a barber shop, a computer centre, library, carpentry, and counseling chamber all fully equipped by the Faraja Foundation.
“I am informed that the resource centre has been conceptualized for a salon, barbershop, computer, library, and carpentry section prior to handing over to Kenya Prison service,” said Brigadier Warioba.
Brigadier Warioba revealed that the resource centre was a major boost to correctional services’ mandate of economic and social reintegration of offenders back in society.
He further said that the resource centre was donated in honor of Fr. Peter Hildebrand, a catholic priest.
Faraja Foundation Chairperson Dr. David Bett on his part said that they took artisan skills seriously since they could improve the lives of inmates after they had secured their freedom subject to good behaviors.
Dr. Bett called on correctional facilities to revive hobbies and crafts schemes of inmates to ensure they benefit from their skills and at the same time support their families financially.
The Faraja Foundation noted that the resource center would be completed within a period of two months and half at a cost Sh5 million.
The inmates at the Nanyuki GK prison also benefited from other merchandise including brackets.
