KAMITI MEDIUM SECURITY PRISON BENEFITS FROM A TUITION BLOCK

By Nicholas Kigondu

The Kamiti Medium Security Prison on Wednesday became the latest correctional facility to benefit from a tuition block courtesy of M-Pesa Foundation.

The classroom block, that comprises of a staffroom, an ICT lab and an ablution block will provide inmates with a platform to undertake academic instructions and literacy programs as part of a broader reform agenda intended to empower reformed offenders.

Speaking during the launch, Correctional Services Principal, Secretary Dr. Salome Beacco said the facility will help equip offenders with critical skills meant to aid their reintegration back into society. She said the fully equipped tuition block will go a long way in advancing formal and vocational training within correctional settings, adding that it will ensure those who benefit from the facility are wholly rehabilitated and reformed.

According to the PS, the department has undertaken a host of reforms meant to expand both formal education and training programs including registering prison facilities as public learning centers and establishing digital and science labs to help inmates gain valid academic certificates and successfully reintegrate into society.

While appreciating the do   nation by M-Pesa foundation, Commissioner General of Prisons Patrick Aranduh said it was important to equip inmates with skills and knowledge that will help them in their reintegration back into the society thereby reducing recidivism.

M-PESA foundation Executive Director Karen Basiye pledged her organization’s commitment to support the State Department in its endeavor, saying the foundation will explore the possibility of further collaboration including on health, education economic empowerment and environmental conservation.

The options include the possibility of establishing a TVET model workshop in one of the country’s correctional facilities.