Machakos Women Prison is facing a challenge due to a shortfall of counselors whose services are needed by inmates at the correctional facility.
Officer in charge of the prison Jane Oyoo said the facility does not have sufficient counselors to help inmates deal with psychosocial challenges.
“Some have left their children at home with or without people like husbands among other relatives to take care of them. They have mental health issues,” Oyoo said.
She said the facility runs a discharge board that ensures every inmate is escorted home once released from prison.
Oyoo said welfare and probation officers visit inmates’ homes to alert relatives of their impending release ahead of time to prepare them mentally.
“The officers are during their visits told whether the inmate is accepted or not. If the inmate is not accepted, then we have a doctor who mediates between family members and the inmate,” Oyoo said.
The prison boss called on Kenyans of good will to support talents of female inmates once they finish serving their sentences and rejoin society.
Oyoo said this will ensure their successful integration once they leave correctional facilities.
“I urge well-wishers willing to help us to come and support the inmates. More so on talents they have such as salon, catering, basketry, carpentry, among others,” Oyoo said.
She addressed the press at the prison on Wednesday.
Oyoo said the 68 female inmates at the prison will be showcasing their talents during a talent show on Thursday.
She said the inmates can be helped by either supporting them start their own businesses or by employing them in various industries which require their skills and talents.
“They will be showcasing different activities. If we can get well-wishers who can accommodate them once they are released from prison, we will be grateful,” Oyoo said.
She thanked Machakos Deputy Governor Francis Mwangangi for supporting the prison through assortment of food donations.
Machakos deputy governor’s communications director Hillary Musyoki said the donations were Mwangangi's personal contribution towards the cause.
The donations included bales of maize and wheat flour, cooking oil and rice.
Musyoka said the deputy governor issued the donations on the prison’s management’s request.
“The deputy governor has called on other well-wishers to support the prison. There is need for more support to the 68 inmates,” Musyoka said.
“We will be having our talents day on Thursday where our women will be showcasing their talents that they have acquired through the mentors who we have,” Oyoo said.
