Kenyan prisoners are showcasing their skills in crafting elegant furniture, with pieces now available for purchase to the public. The Kenya Prisons Service has attracted significant attention on social media, as people express interest in buying the beautifully crafted furniture produced by inmates.
According to the Kenya Prisons Service, these unique pieces can be purchased at the showroom located in the Prisons Headquarters, Magereza House in Nairobi. Additionally, various showrooms run by the Kenya Prisons Service across the country offer a range of furniture, including sofa sets, coffee tables, beds, cabinets, and storage benches.
The furniture is made from high-quality hardwood and features meticulous craftsmanship. Prisoners involved in this program emphasize handcrafting, incorporating applied and decorative arts into their creations, which also include ceramics, metalwork, jewellery, and textile.
National Police Spokesperson Resila Atieno Onyango confirmed, “The prison furniture shop is open to the public. You can walk in at Magereza House.” This accessibility aims to promote transparency and public engagement.
Prices for the furniture vary. In Nairobi, beds range from KSh 10,000 to KSh 100,000, depending on the type of wood and decorative details, while chairs can cost up to KSh 70,000. Other items, including leather products, crafts, beadwork, and metalwork, are also available.
Kenya Prisons has clarified that there are no fees to visit the showrooms. “The catalogue for the current stock is under development,” the service revealed, following a tour by East African Affairs Cabinet Secretary Rebecca Miano on January 23.
READ MORE: BABU OWINO RESPONDS TO DEVOTED FAN WHO TATTOOED HIS FACE ON HER BODY
Initially, only government agencies could purchase these items. However, since 2017, the public has been allowed to buy from these showrooms. Revenue generated is shared between the government and the inmates, with funds deposited into savings accounts accessible after release.
The Magereza House showroom is open to visitors from Monday to Friday, 8 am to 5 pm, and on Saturdays from 8 am to 1 pm.