Agriculture and inmates

A prison, as commonly known, is a correctional facility and detention centre where inmates are confined and denied many privileges under state authority. Narok GK Prison on the outskirts of Narok town turns inmates into agri-business savvy people, majoring in horticulture and agro-forestry to keep them away from idleness that led to them committing crimes. The prison officers make the inmates work on the farms as a form of punishment but the inmates see it as an opportunity to master new skills which they will employ for a better life. The farm was established 12 years ago to supplement government income, the six-acre farm has fruit trees such as avocado, oranges, mangoes, bananas and paw paws. It also has tree nurseries, apiary and livestock such as dairy cows and goats. At the farm, the inmates get to learn about grafting fruits such as avocado and mangoes to get superior and more productive varieties, as well as maintenance of the fruit trees to maturity.The inmates have acquired the required knowledge in agriculture, and have determined to venture into agri-business after serving their term. This is the case of David Lagat, 23, who is serving an eight-month sentence for being in possession of narcotic drugs, says he wished he had learnt alternative sources of getting income such as agriculture, which he is now passionate about. “When I came here months ago, I had no idea of anything to do with farming. I had never imagined horticulture is this lucrative. I have seen fruits being maintained, harvested and sold and there is a lot of money