In a significant step towards rehabilitating inmates and providing them with valuable skills for reintegration into society, Correctional Services Principal Secretary Dr. Salome Beacco inaugurated a new Hobbies and Handcraft Centre at Nanyuki GK Prison. This initiative is aimed at equipping prisoners with practical skills that can enhance their chances of successful reentry into the community upon release.
Dr. Beacco was accompanied by Laikipia Governor Joshua Irungu and Commissioner General of Prisons Brigadier (Rtd) John Warioba, highlighting the collaborative effort between various levels of government and the correctional services to improve the conditions and outcomes for inmates.
The Hobbies and Handcraft Centre is designed to offer inmates the opportunity to engage in productive activities such as crafting, woodworking, tailoring, and other forms of handcraft. These activities not only help in occupying inmates’ time constructively but also provide them with marketable skills that can be utilized post-incarceration.
“This centre is a testament to our commitment to rehabilitating inmates and ensuring they have the skills necessary to lead productive lives once they reenter society,” Dr. Beacco stated during the launch. “Rehabilitation is a key component of our correctional system, and providing inmates with these opportunities is crucial for reducing recidivism.”
Laikipia Governor Joshua Irungu expressed his support for the initiative, emphasizing the importance of community involvement in the rehabilitation process. “By investing in the skills and education of inmates, we are investing in the safety and well-being of our communities,” Governor Irungu said. “When inmates are released with the ability to contribute positively, it benefits everyone.”
Commissioner General of Prisons Brigadier (Rtd) John Warioba highlighted how the new centre aligns with broader reforms in the prison system aimed at improving management and inmate welfare. “Our goal is to transform our prisons from punitive institutions to centres of rehabilitation and growth,” Brigadier Warioba remarked. “This handcraft centre is a crucial part of that transformation.”
The inmates at Nanyuki GK Prison have already begun participating in the programs offered at the new centre. The response has been overwhelmingly positive, with many inmates expressing hope and enthusiasm for the new opportunities available to them.
One inmate shared, “This centre gives us a chance to learn and do something meaningful. It gives us hope that we can have a better future after we leave here.”
The launch of the Hobbies and Handcraft Centre at Nanyuki GK Prison is a promising step towards more humane and effective correctional practices. By focusing on rehabilitation and skill development, the initiative aims to reduce recidivism and help former inmates reintegrate into society successfully.
As the program progresses, it is expected to serve as a model for other correctional facilities in the country, demonstrating the positive impact of providing inmates with constructive activities and valuable skills.
