Correctional Services Principal Secretary Dr. Salome Beacco on Wednesday commissioned a modern workshop at Meru women prisons constructed by support of the Chandaria Foundation.
According to Dr. Beacco, the Meru workshop, which is second to the first one at Lang’ata women’s prisons, is meant to empower women and is part of the modernisation of prison industries, which aligns with the government’s plans for correctional services in the County.
The Sh12 million Meru workshop project is designed to host a bakery and clothing section where women inmates will acquire skills in these areas.
“I am gratified to note that the workshop has been equipped with commercial equipment and the female inmates have been provided with raw materials plus a seed capital of Sh1.2 million to kickstart production,” said Dr. Beacco.
She added, “The constitution of Kenya guarantees gender equality and women’s empowerment, and today Kenya is on track in the implementation of the Beijing platform of action.
Gender equality is at the centre of Kenya’s national development and enjoys political commitment at the highest level.”
She said she was also delighted to note that Kenya continues to strengthen the legal and policy framework that secures and underpins gains made in achieving gender equality and women’s empowerment.
“The government has taken a holistic approach to its policy-making by addressing social barriers and tackling social exclusion issues such as cultural practices, attitudes, discrimination, and gender-based violence.”
“Therefore, the idea that this workshop will be run as a social enterprise with proceeds aimed at assisting the women inmates with skills development and to reintegrate back into society is a testament that the initiative aligns with the government’s effort to empower women,” said Ms. Beacco.
Indeed, she added, the fact that such initiatives give individuals the skills they need to unlock their potential in employment and become assets to their communities cannot be overemphasised.
“At this juncture, I wish to thank the Chandaria Foundation for this great initiative that perfectly complements our programmes at the correctional services.”
“I have no doubt whatsoever that this rehabilitative initiative will certainly help many people get back on their feet and eventually become contributing members of society,” said Ms. Beacco.
She called on Kenyans and well-wishers to adopt the idea of adopting a ward in Kenyan prisons where they will rehabilitate them to change the attitude of the inmates in terms of reforms.
“As the government, we are doing our best to improve the environment in the prison sector, we cannot do it alone. It is essential that Kenyans join hands and do this work together,” PS said .
On her side, Chief Justice Martha Koome, in a statement read on her behalf by Meru law courts Presiding Judge Edward Murithi, said the inauguration of the Meru workshop marks a significant milestone in the ongoing efforts to reform and rehabilitate individuals within the criminal justice system.
She said this was a testament to the enduring spirit of humanity and compassion that guide our collective endeavours.
“I extend my heartfelt and sincere thanks to Dr. Manu Chandaria and the Chandaria Foundation for your unwavering commitment and philanthropic work.
Your support has been instrumental in transforming the women in prisons, offering them not just hope but tangible skills to build a brighter future for themselves and, by extension, their communities,” said the CJ.
She added that the facilities at Lang’ata and Meru have not only equipped inmates with valuable skills but also fostered a sense of self-reliance and economic empowerment through its innovative profit-sharing model.
She said such initiatives are critical in aligning Kenya’s criminal justice system with modern technological principles focusing on reform, rehabilitation, and reintegration of prisoners into society.
“This initiative perfectly encapsulates the modern philosophy of technology that the National Council on Administration of Justice (NCAJ) advocates for, a philosophy where rehabilitation and reforms are paramount.”
“It underscores the belief that our prisons should not merely be facilities for containment but environments where individuals are allowed to transform their lives and prepare for a successful reintegration into society,” said CJ Koome.
In this light, she added, the Chandaria workshops embody our collective vision for a justice system that heals and restores.
She further said that the partnership between the prisons and the Chandaria Foundation exemplifies the transformative power of collaboration between the public sector and philanthropic entities.
“It is a clear call for action for more organisations to step forward, join hands with government bodies, and contribute to the pyramid of our society,” said Koome.
Commissioner General of Prisons Brigadier Retired John Warioba said that, as a service, they are recognising the potential for positive change through empowerment and skill development.
“This project in Meru that commenced in August 2023 is also meant to cultivate self-worth and lay a social foundation for successful integration into the society.”
“Through baking and textile work, our inmates will acquire tangible skills that will lead to meaningful employment prospects while serving time and upon release,” said Mr. Warioba.
He also urged members of society to avoid stigmatisation by paving the way for much-needed societal acceptance and inclusion during re-entry.
By Dickson Mwiti
