The government is considering the establishment of a new Sh4 billion enterprise fund aimed at unlocking the economic potential of prison-based businesses across the country.
National Assembly Majority Leader John Mbadi has championed the initiative, which seeks to empower inmates and correctional institutions to become self-sustaining while offering prisoners valuable skills for reintegration into society.
The proposed fund is expected to finance industrial activities within correctional facilities, including carpentry, tailoring, metalwork, and agricultural production. According to Mbadi, the initiative will enable prison industries to expand capacity, modernise operations, and participate competitively in the local and regional markets.
He said the programme is aligned with the government’s broader strategy to promote inclusive economic growth by tapping into underutilised labour and spaces within the penal system.
Under the proposed model, the fund would support training, tooling, and raw material acquisition, while also linking correctional enterprises to structured markets.
Revenue generated from the sale of products made by inmates would be reinvested into prison programs, and a portion allocated to the participating prisoners as savings, which they could access upon release. Currently, prison industries across Kenya operate under constrained budgets, outdated equipment, and limited market access, despite producing items such as uniforms, furniture, shoes, and agricultural goods.
Mbadi noted that enhancing prison-based production could reduce government spending on procurement while creating a rehabilitative environment that equips inmates with life-changing skills.
The Sh4 billion proposal is expected to be included in discussions for the upcoming fiscal policy review, with consultations planned between the Ministry of Interior, the National Treasury, and relevant parliamentary committees.
If approved, the fund would mark a significant shift in Kenya’s correctional approach, prioritising productivity and rehabilitation over punitive incarceration alone.
Supporters of the initiative argue that it could reduce recidivism, lower the costs of managing prisons, and contribute meaningfully to the economy by converting prisons into productive economic units.
The move is also expected to stimulate public-private partnerships, with the possibility of corporate involvement in training, product development, and market access.
As the plan gathers momentum, stakeholders await the final policy framework and the timeline for implementation, which could redefine the future of Kenya’s prison system.
Written By Ian Maleve
