Education for Prisoners as a Driver for Sustainable Development in Kenya

In line with a Policy Framework for Education, Training and Research (2005), the government of Kenya committed itself to ensure equitable access to basic education and training for all and sundry regardless of their status such as being disadvantaged, vulnerable or even imprisoned. More often than not, the general public usually tends to view prisoners as culprits of law who ought to be punished for their sins andpeople to be avoided by all means. However, this mentality is gradually changing given the government’s efforts to transform prisoner concept and livelihoods by according them (prisoners) both academically and vocationally oriented forms of education.  This step confirms the government’s realization that education for prisoners is instrumental in the attainment of national goals for sustainable development. As a driver, education has the capacity to empower prisoners with knowledge, skills and values that would go a long way to impact positively on their lives, families and humanity in general. Acquisition of requsite skills and values would also trigger the rehabilitation and eventual integration of prisoners back in to society. This paper surveys the various facets of  education in prison  with an intention to make certain suggestions which would intensify its impact upon society and eventually accelerate sustainable development.