INITIATIVE TO PROMOTE UPCYCLED FASHION AND HANDCRAFTED PRODUCTS LAUNCHED
By Nicholas Kigondu
The State department for correctional services has launched an initiative that seeks to promote upcycled fashion and handcrafted products made by those in correctional facilities.
The initiative, a partnership between the department, the European Union, Chandaria foundation, Fashion on the road caravan and the village market focuses on repurposing and recycling clothing and empowering offenders through skill-building and sustainable practices.
Speaking during the launch, EU Ambassador to Kenya Henriette Geiger said the initiative, if successfully implemented, will help offenders acquire new skills that will redefine their perspectives and reduce cases of recidivism.
She said the EU is working with various justice actors including the judiciary and the police to ensure ongoing efforts are harmonized for maximum impact.
In a speech read on her behalf by Secretary Administration at the state department for Correctional Services Peter Wanjohi, Principal Secretary Dr. Salome Beacco said the concept of upcycled fashion and handcrafted products redefines how to approach environmental sustainability, community empowerment, and offender rehabilitation within the clothing and textile industry.
“At its core, this initiative transforms talent into trade. It empowers reformed offenders to chart new paths as entrepreneurs, primarily in the creative and textile industries. By equipping them with business acumen and practical skills, we enable them to build resilient livelihoods and contribute meaningfully to society during their re-entry.’ She observed.
According to Fashion on the Road Caravan founder Carole Kinoti, through the skills development program offenders will be provided with practical, marketable tools to empower them toward economic independence and successful reintegration back into the society.
In the initiative, Fashion on The Road Bins are strategically placed at various collection points to collect donated clothes and waste trimmings, with the bins currently located at the Village market and the European Union offices in Kenya.
The Fashion On The Road Bin utilizes Internet of Things (IoT) sensors to transmit data such as the total fill level and total weight of textile waste collected. Upon reaching capacity, the bin communicates with collectors from the Kenya Prison Services for collection. Additionally, the bin incorporates artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities to categorize textile waste, including cotton and polyester, enabling effective management and planning of recycling initiatives.