STATE DEPARTMENT FOR CORRECTIONAL SERVICES PRIORITIZING TRANSFORMING PRISON FARMS AND INDUSTRIES INTO SELF-SUFFICIENT MODEL ENTERPRISES

By Martha Munyambu

The State Department for Correctional Services has prioritized transforming its prison farms and industries into self-sufficient model enterprises to boost production and generate more revenue.

Speaking during a meeting with directors of farms and industries, Principal Secretary Dr Salome Beacco outlined plans to optimize revolving funds and scale up production in key sectors, including stitching staff and inmate uniforms, concrete blocks making, coffee, tea, livestock, and seed potato production.

This besides the scaling up commercial maize production as well as rice and potato seeds, to support food security and enhance income generation.

To secure a steady market, the State Department is exploring Government-to-Government arrangements to supply goods and services to other state agencies.

Additionally, the Department is developing a financial management and Enterprise Resource Planning system to enhance financial tracking, accountability, and enterprise management. The system will undergo testing across five stations in Nairobi Region before a national rollout.

Dr Beacco emphasized that the commercialization of correctional farms and industries forms part of the State Department's broader transformation agenda aimed at strengthening rehabilitation, equipping inmates with practical skills, enhancing food security, and generating sustainable revenue.