The prison system in Tanzania has undergone significant transformation compared to the colonial era, when inmates were primarily subjected to punishment rather than being rehabilitated and prepared for reintegration into society.
Speaking to journalists in Mbeya Region, the Regional Prisons Commander, Senior Assistant Commissioner of Prisons Raymond Mwampashe, said that in the past, prisons focused mainly on inflicting suffering and enforcing obedience to colonial authorities, with little regard for the future of inmates after serving their sentences.
He explained that the current system is different, as it focuses on equipping inmates with skills and knowledge that will help them lead productive lives after release.
“Today, we ensure that when an inmate enters prison, they do not leave the same way they came. They must leave with knowledge or skills that will benefit them in their future life,” said Mwampashe.
He noted that prisons have introduced various rehabilitation programs, including vocational training in carpentry, welding, plumbing, as well as involvement in productive activities such as agriculture, livestock keeping, and brick making.
Mwampashe also highlighted that prison officers are undergoing specialized training through updated curricula offered in prison training colleges, including Kiwira, to strengthen their capacity to handle inmates with a rehabilitative approach rather than focusing solely on punishment.
He emphasized that inmates are taught that their most valuable assets are skills and trustworthiness, noting that skills without integrity have little value.
“We tell inmates that even if they lack financial capital, their skills can serve as capital. However, trustworthiness is essential in everything they do,” he added.
He further explained that these reforms align with directives from the country’s top leadership under President Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan, as well as recommendations from the Criminal Justice Commission, which was established to improve the justice system.
According to Mwampashe, statistics indicate that more than 90 percent of inmates entering prisons lack practical skills, a factor that contributes to reoffending after release.
He said the government aims to ensure that inmates acquire skills that will enable them to secure employment or start their own businesses, thereby reducing recidivism and contributing to national development.
He concluded by calling on society to support and accept former inmates, giving them opportunities to apply the skills they gained while in prison and become productive members of the community.
