There was celebration at the Meru Women’s GK Prison on Saturday after 27 inmates graduated with new skills to help them rebuild their lives once they leave prison.
The women completed training in ICT, textiles, pastry, and entrepreneurship, offered through a partnership between Kenya Methodist University (KeMU) and the Chandaria Foundation. The programme aims to give inmates practical skills that can help them find jobs or start small businesses after their release.
One of the graduates, Jelidah Gakii, thanked the prison service and the training institutions for giving them a second chance.
“The skills we have learned are very powerful. Thank you for the knowledge and experience. With this, I know we will make it in life,” she said.
The Director General of Kenya Prisons, Charles Mutembei, praised the graduates for their hard work. He said the correctional service is committed to equipping inmates with market-ready skills that support both personal growth and national development.
“These skills are meant to help inmates transform and contribute positively to society,” he said, urging the women to inspire others.
The officer-in-charge of Meru Women’s Prison, Lucy Gacheri, highlighted the importance of education in reducing repeat offenses. She noted that many inmates face challenges rooted in lack of opportunity, and training helps them build confidence and independence.
“Our graduates are living proof that change is possible through education,” she said.
KeMU Vice Chancellor Prof. John Ataya added that the university’s partnership with the prison is designed to give inmates hope and new possibilities.
“We want people who have been branded differently to know they can change. Education opens your mind and gives you options,” he said.
The colourful ceremony provided a moment of joy for the inmates, their instructors, and prison staff. It also highlighted the growing importance of rehabilitation programmes in Kenya’s correctional facilities, which aim to prepare prisoners for a better future after release.
