KISII PRISON PRINCIPAL OFFICER REQUESTS THE CREATION OF EMPOWERMENT INITIATIVES

Margaret Waithera, the Kisii Women Prison's officer-in-charge, has urged the government and other well-wishers to set up empowerment programs for the prison's inmates.

Speaking at the prison, Ms. Waithera said that after the women are freed from the correctional facility, the programs will enable them to support themselves.

The officer stated that the majority of the prisoners are young people serving brief sentences for minor infractions, between the ages of 18 and 35. To prevent them from committing crimes again, they must be equipped with the necessary information and abilities.

She emphasized the need to prepare and assist the prisoners upon their release from jail, noting that many of them commit crimes like selling illegal beer because their families are not well off.

"In order to help these girls develop pastry and baking skills that will enable them to start small businesses and make bread, cakes, and scones with little money," Ms. Waithera said, she is asking a group of donors to open a bakery within the prison.

Furthermore, the officer asked the Kisii Woman Representative's office to collaborate with the prison to teach the prisoners money management skills and provide financing for their group activities.

Waithera noted that the facility offers a number of programs, including formal education, beauty, weaving, tailoring, and the annual enrollment of prisoners in the Kenya Certificate of Primary Education (KCPE) exams.

She praised the sponsors and partners who had continued to honor the women incarcerated each year, noting that Chess Kenya has brought chess into the facility with the goal of enhancing the lives of the prisoners.

According to Saphinah Kenyando, chair of the Chess for Schools Committee, chess is being introduced to prisons as a means of empowering inmates, fostering discipline, and enhancing their mental health.

Kenyando stated that women would get the opportunity to participate in championship competitions through chess, allowing them to obtain diplomas and acknowledgment for their achievements.

Since women are seen as the strongest pillars in their families, she urged the women incarcerated in the correctional facility to maintain their optimism and strength.

Inmates were advised to organize into groups and apply for funding from the National Government Affirmative Action Fund (NGAAF) kitty by Justine Siocha, the Office Manager of the Woman Representative's office.