Prison opens gates to families

Tears of joy flowed freely as relatives and inmates were reunited at a family visiting day held at the Naivasha G.K prison.

For the first time in the history of the Naivasha prison, inmates were Saturday visited by their families.

For the first time since it was constructed, the prison's high and intimidating doors were open to relatives and friends who were allowed to interact freely with the inmates serving various sentences.

The initiative is part of the reforms being embraced at penal institutions.

The inmates had a taste of different foods that they have missed for years as relatives were allowed to bring in food and soft drinks for them.

The scenes at the prison were emotional with some of the relatives and inmates wailing as they hugged each other.

Security was tight in and around the prison during the visit where hundreds of visitors and the inmates danced and made merry.

According to the officer in charge Mr Patrick Mwenda, said the family visits are part of the ongoing reforms at the correctional facilities.

He admitted that many inmates had given up hope of ever seeing their loved ones adding that the visit was meant to change their attitude.

The inmates were elated and called for more open days to be able interact with their families particularly children who still need their guidance.
According to Joseph Maina who is born-again and serving life sentence, the visit had raised his hopes and aspirations.

His sister Ms Margaret Kariuki thanked the prison management for the day adding that it was proof that Kenyan prisons had indeed changed.

Kenyan prisons have undergone significant change for the better since the 2002 penal reforms spearheaded by former Vice-President Moody Awori.

Prisoners now have new uniforms, which offer decent clothing and they can also watch their favourite programmes on television.

Most importantly, there has been change in approach to reforming them into responsible citizens. Fashion shows are also held at the institutions. Theatre and educational groups sponsored by the civil society access prisons and interact with inmates on behaviour change.