From left. Mr Borrallo, Mr Cheboi, Mr Kimemia, Miss Namulindwa, Mr Too, and Mr Kisuu at the Institute's library

As part of its rehabilitation program, the Naivasha Maximum Security Prison runs a fully fledged learning institute. "The learning adds a lot of value to the rehabilitation program," says Danstan O. Ogore, the Officer in-charge of the prison.

The institute was set up with the assistance of Strathmore University in 2004.  Deloitte and Touche Consultancy firm is studying ways of partnering in the institute. The institute offers prisoners a chance to study and sit national exams such as KCPE, KCSE, KATC, and CPA exams.

"The institute helps inmates direct their capabilities to right causes," Mr Ogore told representatives of both SU and Deloitte who visited the facility on Wednesday, 14th November. The facility is a complete social system with people of different capabilities.

The instructors of the inmates pursuing various courses at the facility are fellow inmates. But the number of instructors is inadequate. Mr Martin Kisuu, a partner at Deloitte said one of the areas Deloitte could help was to sponsor instructors to teach at the facility.

"It is very moving to visit the facility and meet the inmates. We will raise awareness of the program in our office and send appeals for our colleagues to come and teach. We can also bring stationery, text books and periodicals," Mr Kisuu said.

Mr Peter Kimemia, IT manager at Deloitte said the firm would consider training the inmates in IT. This will entail adding the number of computers at the institute.

For employment purposes, Mr Ogore said the prison authorities can vouch for the character of inmates after they leave the facility. Mr Luis Borrallo, SU's Advancement Office said the University was studying the issue of how former inmates can continue their studies after serving their terms.

Mr Kisuu added that the inmates should also be equipped with entrepreneurial skills so that they can be self-employed. "With such skills, they also stand a good chance of getting funds from such government kitties as youth and women funds," he said.