Kirinyaga County has joined forces with the National Government to alleviate prison congestion through the Community Service Orders (CSO) program.

This initiative involves offenders engaging in public work within county facilities, such as hospitals and markets, benefiting both the community and the inmates.

The collaboration was solidified during a visit by the Principal Secretary of the State Department for Correctional Services, Dr. Salome Muhia Beacco, and the Commissioner General of Prisons, Patrick Arundah.

The officials toured ongoing projects at Kerugoya and Mwea GK Prisons to assess progress and discuss further cooperation.

Deputy Governor David Githanda, representing Governor Anne Waiguru, emphasized the importance of this partnership, particularly in agriculture.

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"The Wezesha program in Kirinyaga is well-advanced, and many of its components can be integrated into this collaboration," he stated.

Githanda highlighted the benefits of the CSO program, noting that it provides a constructive alternative for petty offenders.

"We can ensure that these offenders contribute positively to society by working in public spaces like markets. This not only helps them reintegrate into the community but also eases congestion in our prisons," he added.

The county government has also donated essential items to improve hygiene in the two prison facilities. Additionally, the Kerugoya Prisons facility has already benefited from the collaboration, with the county government tarmacking the facility.

Dr. Salome Muhia Beacco commended Kirinyaga County for its active role in improving prison facilities and its collaboration with the State Department of Correctional Services.

She noted the county's contribution to the tarmacking of the Kerugoya facility and its efforts to maintain cleanliness in the area.

Beacco also highlighted ongoing efforts to boost agricultural production within the prison system, in line with President William Ruto's directive.

"In Kerugoya Prison, we have expanded orchards for fruit farming, initiated fish farming, and enhanced coffee farming. Additionally, our prisons are involved in producing furniture, metal works like gates, doors, and window frames, all aimed at increasing industrial output," she said.

With support from the Chandaria Foundation, inmates are receiving valuable training and certification, empowering them for their future.

The foundation has established a bakery within the prison, providing inmates with the opportunity to train and earn an income.

Beacco announced that a new legal reform is underway to enable inmates to earn a stipend during their incarceration, providing them with financial capital for their future.

“The Chandaria Foundation has established a bakery within the prison, providing inmates with the opportunity to train and earn an income while incarcerated. This initiative not only enables them to educate their children while still in prison but also equips them with skills for their future. I urge the public to support our rehabilitation efforts by purchasing these products, as it plays a vital role in the inmates' reintegration into society,” Beacco stated.

She asserted that partnership between Kirinyaga County and the National Government reflects a shared commitment to addressing systemic challenges within the justice system and fostering a more unified approach to governance.

This collaboration marks a significant step towards improving the correctional system in Kenya, highlighting the importance of integrating community service, rehabilitation, and economic empowerment into the nation's broader justice framework.