Twenty-five female inmates at Wundanyi Women Prison in Taita Taveta County completed a six-week entrepreneurship training program designed to equip them with skills for post-release economic independence.
Participants, including Faith Ngele who is serving a one-year sentence, received certifications in tailoring, hairdressing, soap-making, and business management through a partnership between the Prison Service and Nafisika Trust. The initiative, part of the Rapid Results Initiative launched in February 2022, aims to address systemic challenges like poverty that contribute to criminal behavior.
"This training gives us a chance to rebuild our lives," said Ngele, who plans to open a beauty salon or soap business after her release next year. "Prison isn't just punishment—it's a place to prepare for the future." The program also included marketing strategies through the Imarika and Make a Change initiatives.
Wundanyi Prison Officer in Charge Jostinah Mwang'ombe emphasized the program's dual purpose: "We're not just incarcerating people—we're rehabilitating them. These skills help inmates avoid returning to crime by providing viable livelihoods." The curriculum focused on both practical business skills and personal development, including goal-setting and self-care.
Ex-inmate Mariam Mwikali, who recently completed the program, shared her struggle with community stigma but expressed hope that her new skills would enable her to start a home-based enterprise. Nafisika Trust CEO Rose Thuku confirmed the organization will provide ongoing support to help graduates launch businesses, stating, "We're preparing them to navigate market trends and succeed independently."
The initiative also trained nine prison staff and involved local volunteers, donors, and business advisors. A psychologist from Moi County Referral Hospital provided counseling to help participants reframe their past mistakes as opportunities for growth. "Our goal is to empower inmates to become productive members of society," said counselor Brenda Wanga.
