FIRST LADY COMMEMORATES INTERNATIONAL WOMEN WEEK AT MURANG'A WOMEN'S PRISON

By Pili Chimerah

First Lady Rachel Ruto has challenged incarcerated women to take advantage of existing opportunities to acquire critical skills that would help them in their reintegration back into the society.

Speaking at the Murang’a women GK Prison during celebrations to mark the International Women's Week, the First Lady said correctional facilities are currently offering various courses meant to empower those undergoing rehabilitation and reformation.

“I encourage you to explore the skills and programs available to you,” she emphasized. 

She singled out the Carakana programme, an innovative initiative she has pioneered, which she said has helped restore dignity and hope to the vulnerable in the society including offenders who have been equipped with essential skills on cross-crocheting.

The inmates benefit from the project through earnings from artwork sold to the public, which has been introduced in 5 women's prisons across the country with the aim of expanding it further to other prisons.

Murang’a Governor Irungu Kang’ata urged those in prisons not to lose hope but instead turn the challenge of incarceration into opportunities.
“When life gives you lemons, make lemonade,” he challenged the inmates.

Commissioner General of Prisons, Patrick Aranduh thanked the First Lady for her support for the women behind bars, especially through the Carakana Project and the Mama Doing Good initiatives, which donated an assortment of essentials to the inmates.

Among those present during the celebrations were Murang’a woman representative Betty Maina, nominated senator Veronica Maina and Probation and Aftercare Services Secretary Dr. Christine Obondi.

Photo by Patrick Amabani