Inmates advised to learn life skills

Prisoners at the Maralal GK prison in Samburu County have been advised to acquire technical skills while serving their custodial sentences to benefit from county government development programmes upon their release.
While speaking at the facility, Samburu County Governor Moses Lenolkulal said prisoners who have been reformed and are skilled in the Jua kali sector will be empowered to be independent in life.
“This is possible through self-employment and grants to start business enterprises in groups upon their release,” the governor observed
“They ought to learn skills that are needed, we have a shortage of plumbers, masons and carpenters and therefore in one way our contractors will offer them employment. We will also give them grants to start small scale business enterprises as groups under the women and youth enterprise fund,” he said.
The Officer in charge of the facility Charles Mwangangi said the prison is already offering education and skills in carpentry and masonry that will help prisoners to easily reintegrate back to the community after serving their sentences.
“We do a lot of trainings here, there are some who will graduate with skills in masonry, carpentry and welding.
The county government’s plan is a good gesture that will fully transform ex-prisoners and prevent them from engaging in crime through small scale business enterprises upon release,” he said.
Governor Lenolkulal also visited Maria Mfariji, Sherp and Springs of Hope orphanages in Maralal town during New Year celebrations where he challenged parents and the community to be responsible enough in bringing up children within their homes to minimize dependency on orphanages.
“It is a parent’s first responsibility to bring up a child, I advise parents to take good care of their children, bringing up children in orphanages is just temporary,” he advised.
By Robert Githu