The government has launched plans to strengthen agriculture and livestock farming within the Prison Service, aiming to make prisons more self-reliant, generate income, supply food for inmates, and sell surplus produce commercially.
Speaking during a first-ever meeting with senior Prison Service leaders, officers, and civilian staff at the headquarters in Msalato, Dodoma, Minister of Home Affairs, Patrobas Katambi, said the government will identify and formalize all land owned by the Prison Service to maximize its productive use. He was joined by Deputy Minister Ayoub Mohamed Mahmoud.
“We must now clearly mark our land boundaries. Those without formal title deeds should be documented, and land suitable for farming should be recognized and formalized. The Ministries of Livestock and Agriculture are ready to support us in establishing productive, large-scale farming that will meet the needs of the Prison Service, generate income, and reduce dependence on suppliers. If we plan carefully, our prisons will produce crops locally and sustainably,” Minister Katambi said.
Deputy Minister Mahmoud highlighted the role of technology in improving productivity, emphasizing that modern approaches in agriculture, livestock, and industrial processes will enhance efficiency in the Prison Service. He noted that this approach aligns with the country’s Vision 2050.
Inspector General of Prisons, CGP Jeremiah Katungu, said the service continues to invest in vocational and entrepreneurship training for inmates. In 2025, 209 inmates graduated from entrepreneurship programs at Arusha Prison, while 201 inmates completed vocational training at Arusha Accounting College under the Vocational Education and Training Authority (VETA), earning official certificates.
The government’s push to strengthen prison agriculture reflects a broader strategy to make institutions self-sustaining, improve skills among inmates, and increase economic contributions from public institutions.
