Transforming Prison Labour: Economic Reforms, Ethical Considerations, and Public–Private Partnerships in Kenya’s Correctional Services

Abstract

This article explores the economic transformation of prison labour in Kenya, focusing on the State Department for Correctional Services’ initiative to enhance self-sufficiency through modern farming, skills training, and technology. It examines the cost-effectiveness of infrastructure investments, the ethical debates surrounding prison labour, and the potential of public–private partnerships (PPPs) to drive rehabilitation and revenue generation. Drawing on public data and face-to-face interviews with key informants, including correctional officials and economic advisors, the study provides a framework for aligning correctional reforms with national development goals while addressing labour ethics.