Kitui County CECM for Youth and Social Services, Phoebe Mutemi, led a team of county officials to Kitui Main Prison on Day 10 of the #16DaysOfActivism campaign.
This visit centered on engaging inmates and prison staff in discussions about gender equality, the prevention of gender-based violence (GBV), and access to justice. The initiative was part of the county’s broader effort to integrate all sectors of society in the fight against GBV and to promote equitable treatment for all, including those within correctional facilities.
During her address to the inmates, Waziri Phoebe Mutemi emphasized that their current circumstances did not define their future. She highlighted the immense potential within each of them to reshape their lives, urging them to reflect and rebuild during their time at the prison. Mutemi encouraged the inmates to take advantage of the opportunities available to them, such as educational programs, skills development initiatives, training, and counseling, which could equip them for a better future. As part of the visit, she distributed sanitary pads to the women inmates, a gesture that highlighted the county’s commitment to addressing the specific needs of female prisoners.
The CECM expressed her delight at the talents and resilience she witnessed among the inmates, particularly commending those who delivered powerful sermons during the engagement. She reiterated that their mistakes did not define them; rather, it was their strength and determination to overcome challenges that mattered. Mutemi urged the inmates to support and encourage one another, emphasizing the importance of holding onto hope and maintaining their faith in God.
Prison staff expressed their gratitude for the visit, acknowledging the significance of such engagements in uplifting the inmates and addressing their needs. Mutemi reassured the staff and inmates that the Ministry of Youth and Gender was committed to offering encouragement and support rather than judgment. She pledged continued assistance through empowerment and rehabilitation programs, aligning with the county’s goal of fostering a society where everyone, regardless of their past, has the opportunity to thrive.
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