The First Lady Rachel Ruto has called upon women inmates to take advantage of training opportunities provided in prisons and acquire skills that would help them to have a source of livelihood after their sentences.
Speaking in Murang’a GK Prison on Wednesday during an occasion to mark this year’s International Women Week, Mrs. Ruto said currently, there were many courses being offered at correctional centres that were meant to empower the inmates and help them make livelihoods out of prison.
She singled out the Karakana programme which is spearheaded by her office, saying it has helped inmates to be trained and acquire skills in art cross-crocheting.
“We came up with the Karakana programme which is being implemented in five women’s prisons, to help the inmates acquire skills that will shape their lives after completing their jail terms,” she stated.
The programme, she noted, has transformed women who have undertaken the training, saying those released from prisons have used the skills to establish income-generating projects to support their families.
“Those trained in Karakana today are independent, self-sufficient and thriving. They have proved that transformation is possible. I promise to speak with the Principal Secretary for Correctional Services to explore how Karakana could be introduced here at Murang’a women’s prisons,” she said.
The First Lady further noted that giving the inmates skills was a tool for empowerment and self-reliance, encouraging them to make good use of their time in training and acquiring skills.
Mrs. Ruto added that at the correctional centres, inmates also have the opportunity to train on tailoring, baking, ICT, and carpentry, among other courses.
She said prisons were a place for correctional and rehabilitation services and asked inmates to focus on life after imprisonment and effectively integrate with the communities.
“Despite the circumstances that brought you to prison, you are not condemned but rather remain essential, loved and valued,” she remarked.
On her part, nominated Senator Veronicah Maina called for consideration towards releasing inmates who were serving sentences for petty offences.
She noted that for some offences, the accused should just be assigned community work rather than serving custodial sentences, especially mothers with children while in prison.
Ms. Maina also condemned the acts of femicide happening in Murang’a County citing different scenarios where young women are being raped and their bodies dumped in dams and rivers.
“Cases of gender-based violence in Murang’a are on increase and unfortunately, women have been the victims. The menace is greatly affecting innocent children. I appeal to relevant agencies to strive in apprehending and prosecuting the perpetrators of GBV,” she added. Her words were echoed by the County Woman representative Betty Maina.
Meanwhile, the Senator urged women to join the table banking merry-go-round known as joyful women to help themselves in saving the little money they got.
“To boost yourself and the economy, you should engage and participate in the table banking programme where you will be able to save,” she added.
Governor Irungu Kang’ata said those in leadership have a responsibility to reduce unemployment, especially among young people, saying lack of jobs has led some youth to engage in criminal activities.
“As we mark International Women’s Week, I encourage those serving jail terms to know that there is life after prison and being an inmate does not limit you to excel in life,” observed Kang’ata.
By Bernard Munyao
