Prison authorities in Kiambu County want the society to fully embrace the reintegration of released inmates back into the community, as some have over their incarceration acquired skills to enable them to lead a decent and positive life.
Kiambu Main, Prisons Superintendent Jane Mwaura, said it was time the community accepted the convicts after serving their full terms to a crime-free life, as most inmates had sharpened skills for the common good of the society.
He was speaking when the inmates showcased the products made in prison during celebrations marking the Correctional Services Week to demonstrate the vocational skills they acquire while serving their sentences.
The outreach formed part of Correctional Services Week celebrations, which seek to strengthen relations between correctional institutions and the public while promoting understanding of inmates’ rehabilitation.
Kiambu Prisons Superintendent Jane Mwaura, who led the march, said inmates undergo vocational training, including carpentry, and receive certificates upon completing their courses. The skills enable them to earn an income, support their families and contribute positively to society after release.
“Released offenders should be seen as renewed people as we correct them with integrity in prison and show them alternative ways of using their time wisely and creative ways of earning. Once we release them, please don’t judge but welcome them,” she urged.
The prison’s welfare team displayed carpentry products made by inmates, offering them for sale to members of the public.
The products showcased the practical skills inmates acquire through rehabilitation and vocational training, which can help them establish livelihoods after leaving prison.
Superintendent Mwaura said Kiambu Main Prison also promotes agricultural activities among inmates, where they support inmates in farm work at a nursery where seedlings are raised for sale.
“This is a way to change the perception people have about inmates. That is why we are inviting members of the public to visit the prison nursery and purchase seedlings,” she added.
Nationally, the Correctional Service Week 2026 runs from October 13 to October 15, 2026. This year’s theme is “Transforming Correctional Services through technology and green solutions”.
Deputy President (DP) Kithure Kindiki officially launched the Correctional Services Week in Nairobi.
He urged institutions to adopt secure, integrated and data-driven systems, leveraging artificial intelligence and data analytics to enhance operational efficiency and improve rehabilitation programmes.
To achieve this, the DP called on the State Department for Correctional Services to align its digital initiatives with the National Digital Master Plan 2022–2032, the National E-Commerce Strategy 2023 and the National Artificial Intelligence Strategy 2025–2030.
By William Tolbert and Grace Naishoo
