Nakuru Women GK prison officer Mrs Rosemary Njenga has called on leaders and the public to stop secluding inmates and rather involve them in development projects.
Speaking on Friday during the graduation ceremony of 38 inmates at the Nakuru prison, Njenga said that most of the inmates get reformed once they complete their jail terms and therefore should not be feared.
"I urge the government together with members of the public to have confidence in the graduating inmates by engaging them in national building activities once they are through with their jail terms," she appealed.
Her sentiments were echoed by Reverend Patrick Muthungu of the Presbyterian Church of East Africa (PCEA) Church who stated that the inmates acquire various positive values and skills which are important in the society.
"Besides biblical studies, the inmates are trained on life skills, behavior change as well as guiding and counseling skills to help them find value in life when they await integration into society," he said.
A total of 38 inmates graduated in the ceremony on Friday with Diplomas in Theology, sponsored by PCEA.
The program was introduced at the facility last year and has immensely benefited inmates who had lost hope in life.