The Officer-in-Charge of Kisii Women Prison, Margaret Waithera has called on the government and other well-wishers to establish empowerment programmes for inmates at the Kisii Women Prison.
Speaking at the facility, Ms. Waithera said the programmes will allow the women to earn a living once they are released from the correctional facility.
According to the officer, most of the inmates are youths aged between 18-35 years serving short-term sentences for petty offenses. They need to be empowered with adequate skills and knowledge so that they do not become repeat offenders.
She underscored the importance of training and supporting the inmates when they are released from prison adding that most of them commit offenses such as selling illicit brewing due to the poor economic background at home.
“I am requesting a group of sponsors to establish a bakery in this prison so that these girls can acquire pastry and baking skills that will enable them to establish small businesses and cook bread, cakes, and scones using minimal funds,” Ms. Waithera said.
The officer also requested the office of the Kisii Woman Representative to partner with the facility in training the inmates on financial management and funding their activities within group settings.
Waithera added the facility is running various programs such as beauty, weaving, tailoring, and formal education with the prison enrolling inmates for the Kenya Certificate of Primary Education (KCPE) examinations every year.
She lauded partners and sponsors who have continued to celebrate the women in prison every year adding that Chess Kenya had introduced chess to the facility as a way of improving the lives of the inmates.
Chess for Schools Committee Chairperson, Saphinah Kenyando said they were introducing chess to prison as a tool for empowerment, instilling discipline, and improving the mental well-being of the inmates.
Kenyando noted that chess would give the women a chance to compete in various championship tournaments that would enable them to get certificates and receive recognition of the same.
She encouraged the women at the correctional center to remain hopeful and strong because they are considered the strongest pillars of their families.
The Office Manager from the office of the Woman Representative, Justine Siocha urged the inmates to form groups to request support from the National Government Affirmative Action Fund (NGAAF) kitty.
By Mercy Osongo and Illah Moraa
