KARATINA UNIVERSITY COMMEMORATES INTERNATIONAL MEN’S DAY AT NYERI GK MAXIMUM PRISON

Karatina University, through the Directorate of Community Outreach, marked International Men’s Day with a transformative community engagement activity at Nyeri GK Maximum Prison on 19th November 2025. The initiative, aligned with the University’s mandate to promote social responsibility, inclusivity, and community empowerment, aimed to support the well-being of inmates while offering students practical learning experiences.

During the visit, University staff and students delivered talks on mental health, life skills, self-esteem, and emotional regulation, engaging inmates in discussions designed to enhance their psychological well-being and support rehabilitation. In partnership with the Kenya Red Cross and HACO Industries, the team donated essential items including toothpaste, soap, toilet paper, pens, sandals, and other daily necessities. The inmates were also treated to a special lunch, which was warmly received.

The University Choir provided musical performances, creating a lively and therapeutic atmosphere, while inmates showcased their talents through poems and drama, highlighting the rehabilitative power of creative expression. Library staff conducted a needs assessment of the prison library and pledged to support access to academic resources, aiding inmates in their educational pursuits.

Discussions with the Commissioner of Prisons led to plans for further collaboration, including mental health and stress management sessions for staff and the establishment of an inmate peer counseling program. A total of 100 students, particularly those studying Criminology, gained firsthand experience of correctional facility operations, rehabilitation processes, and the broader impact of community engagement.

Our team together with the prison warden poses for a group photo after the successful outreach

The Directorate of Community Outreach expressed gratitude to University Management, prison leadership, partners, and all staff and students who contributed to the success of the event. The commemoration of International Men’s Day at Nyeri GK Maximum Prison not only enhanced inmates’ well-being but also reinforced Karatina University’s commitment to social responsibility, rehabilitation, and experiential learning for its students.