Nairobi – Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has advocated for a transformative approach within Kenya’s Prisons Department, focusing on agriculture, industrialisation, and contributing to the nation’s food security agenda. Speaking at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC) during the launch of Correctional Services Week, Gachagua highlighted the potential of prisons to become self-sustaining by utilizing their extensive land resources.

According to Kenya News Agency, Gachagua urged the Prisons Department to develop their industries, collaborate with private entities for furniture product marketing, and create a revolving fund for self-sustainability. “Create a revolving fund and make prisons self-sustainable. There is no reason why they should not produce enough food for inmates instead of buying the foodstuffs and selling the surplus,” said the Deputy President.

Accompanied by Salome Muhia-Beacco, Principal Secretary for the State Department of Correctional Services, and Brigadier (Rtd) John Kibaso Warioba, Commissioner-General for Prisons, Gachagua commended the department’s efforts in transforming offenders’ lives and successful reintegration into society.

The Deputy President also emphasized the role of prison officers in the Greening Kenya Initiative, aiming to plant 15 billion trees by 2032, and suggested establishing nurseries in correctional stations.

Additionally, Gachagua announced plans to initiate discussions with independent constitutional commissions and Parliament regarding the issuance of Certificates of Good Conduct to ex-convicts. He expressed concern over the challenges former inmates face in acquiring these certificates, which affect their employment opportunities.

Gachagua’s call for prison reform and sustainable practices is aligned with the government’s agenda for social transformation and environmental conservation, marking a significant shift in the role of correctional facilities in Kenya.