CORRECTIONAL SERVICES PS CALLS FOR ENHANCED MARKETING OF PRISON ENTERPRISE PRODUCTS

By Juliet Wangui 

Correctional Services Principal Secretary, Dr. Salome Beacco, has urged the Kenya Prisons Service to strengthen the marketing of prison enterprise products by leveraging online platforms and regularly updating the Kenya Prisons Product Catalogue to enhance product visibility, expand market reach and increase revenue.

Speaking during a meeting with the Directors of Farms and Industries, Dr. Beacco said embracing modern marketing strategies is key to positioning prison enterprises as competitive and sustainable contributors to the country’s economy.

Director Industries Charles Mutembei said prison industries have expanded the production and supply of cabro paving blocks, with 20,000 units already delivered to Murang’a Women Prison. He added that the prison water bottling plant, which has the capacity to purify 1,500 litres of water per hour and package 2,000 bottles daily, is currently supplying several government and private institutions.

Mr. Mutembei further said an Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system will be deployed at Kamiti Main, Kamiti Medium, Kiambu Main, Ruiru, Nairobi West, Kitengela and Lang’ata Women prisons to strengthen enterprise management. He added that Chandaria textile and bakery units at Shimo La Tewa, Lang’ata Women and Meru Women prisons are now fully operational under Public-Private Partnerships.

Mr. Mutembei also said 136 students at Borstal Institutions will sit Grade II and III National Industrial Training Authority (NITA) trade test examinations this month, with plans underway to certify inmates through the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) programme.

Director Farms Patrick Kariri said 1,660 acres are currently under commercial maize production, with harvesting underway at Shikusa Farm. He added that the Farms Enterprise has raised 6,397,478 tree seedlings in support of the Government’s Greening Kenya Initiative and is diversifying into fruit farming through the establishment of a 26-acre avocado orchard at Ngeria Farm.