The national government, in partnership with CEFA, a European Union funded project, has set out to engage inmates at the Meru Women Prison with activities such as embroidery, crocheting, dress-making and hair-design to empower them.
“Life in prison does not have to be stressful. Prisons are correctional facilities, and the aim is for us to help them take responsibility for their actions and transform them to good members of society,” said Eve Nkirote, cadet officer in charge of the facility.
CEFA’s Mercy Kiragu said: “We help the inmates, who are young and old, in different ways. When they live here, we facilitate their integration back into society,” said Ms Kiragu.
The inmates also have fun together to boost their sense of belonging, as many are shunned by society and are seldom visited, if ever. Recently, Miss Meru Polytechnic Carol Wambui, partnered with the Red Cross and Gideon Gitonga, a community leader, to hold a fun-filled, interactive session with the prisoners.