The workshop, which has four sections including a bakery, textile, cross stitching carakana studio and a computer Lab will benefit the women inmates through provision of vocational training and income generation.

The workshop is among other similar facilities located in Lang’ata, Meru, and Kisumu women prisons which have seen more than 200 inmates benefit.

Through earnings from the workshop, the inmates will help support their families and also provide an easy transition once they are released from prison.

Speaking during the event, the First lady said the launch marked a significant step forward in the country’s pursuit of restorative justice and social reintegration.

“This workshop is not just a facilityit is a sanctuary of second chances, a workshop of hope,” said Mama Rachel Ruto. “It is designed to transform lives, unlock potential, and restore dignity within our correctional facilities.”

The Carakana Program, initiated by the First Lady in 2016, has already trained over 1,500 women and positively impacted over 7,000 lives across Kenya’s prisons.

The program has enabled women to earn over 23 million shillings through the sale of cross-stitched art, affirming its role in economic empowerment and rehabilitation.

She further pledged to revamp the Shimo la Tewa Women prison playground for children accompanying their mothers in prison.

According to State Department for Correctional Services Principal Secretary Dr. Salome Beacco, the integrated prgrammes are meant to equip inmates – especially women – with tools for self-reliance, dignity, and hope beyond prison walls.

“Our intention is to move away from a one-size-fits-all approach to prison work. We are committed to programmes that are inclusive, responsive, and developed in consultation with prisoners, former inmates, and the communities to which they will return. This participatory approach ensures relevance, sustainability, and dignity in rehabilitation.” Said the PS.

The launch of the workshop, at Shimo La Tewa women prison, is a collaboration between the Chandaria Foundation, the State Department of Correctional Services and Carakana, and is part of a wider effort to transform prisons into centres of empowerment and social enterprise.

“The primary objective of these workshops is to enhance the skills of women serving short sentences, equipping them with practical knowledge and abilities to reintegrate into society and lead productive lives upon release.” Observed Priti Chandaria.