CS: Prisons workshops wi*l be given Sh1b facelift

The government will spend Sh1 billion to modernise prison workshops to promote industrialisation and enhance production of quality products.

Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki yesterday said the plan was aimed at making the correction facilities conducive for rehabilitation, empowerment and preparation of inmates for reintegration into the society when they leave prison.

“We will be providing Mwea Prison and other prisons across the country with modern workshop equipment to the tune of Sh1 billion to make sure that our prisons become a place for rehabilitation and empowerment,” he said.

While affirming the government’s commitment to the prison reforms agenda, Kindiki pointed out that the move will help the country’s prison industry match with the modern workshops.

The Kenya Prisons Service (KPS) has not been able to fully undertake rehabilitation of prisoners due to shortage of funds for vocational training and skills development in various fields.

According to experts, without proper rehabilitation, the prisoners risk getting caught up in a vicious cycle of reoffending, re-conviction and social rejection.

The CS added that they were decongesting the prisons across the country and also intended to improve the welfare of prisoners.

The government will partner with the private sector to ensure the success of the “One Prisoner, One bed, One mattress” initiative, he said.

“We will partner with the private sector and well-wishers to ensure every prisoner will have one bed and one mattress,” Kindiki said.

The CS was speaking yesterday at Mwea GK Prison in Kirinyaga County where he said the government will also mechanize the prisons farms counytrywide.