In an effort to meet the rising global demand for high-quality leather products, the State Departments of Kenya for Correctional Services and Livestock Development have launched a new initiative aimed at revitalizing the leather industry within Kamiti and Kitengela Prisons.
During a recent visit to the Kitengela GK Prison, Principal Secretary for Correctional Services Salome Beacco outlined the government’s ambitious plan. She emphasized that this initiative is a pivotal element of President Ruto’s Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda.
“It is our great desire to revive the leather industry in these two facilities, We are exploring several options, including public-private partnerships, to ensure this endeavor becomes a reality.”
Beacco stated
She further highlighted that the plan not only aims to generate revenue for the government but also to equip offenders with essential skills to aid their self-reliance post-incarceration.
Beacco detailed that this initiative is integral to her eight-point priority agenda. This agenda includes the modernization of the prison industry through enhanced production of industrial goods, upgrading workshops and tools, improving vocational training, and increasing seed capital for acquiring raw materials.
Additionally, select instructors will undergo specialized training in leather technology to better support this transformation.
Jonathan Mueke, Principal Secretary for Livestock Development, expressed strong confidence in the government’s dedication to transforming the leather sector into a major employment generator.
“Our plan to transform the leather industry into a mega job creation engine is very much on track. We are already seeing a huge demand for Kenyan leather from around the world,”
Mueke remarked
This initiative not only promises to boost government revenue but also enhances the skill set of inmates, preparing them for successful reintegration into society.
In conclusion, the government’s efforts to revitalize the leather industry within Kamiti and Kitengela Prisons reflect a strategic approach to economic development and social rehabilitation. By investing in modernizing prison industries and equipping inmates with valuable skills, this initiative stands to make a significant impact on both the economy and the lives of those involved.
