Bernard Wafula, an ex-prisoner of Eldoret main prison has garnered the name ’masabuni’ is a story of resilience and second chances.
Once an inmate in Eldoret main prison and now he has now become an example of hard work and its rewards. Bernard had attended RODIs training in prisons and had learnt various skills including agriculture, food production, soap making and baking. Upon his release after serving 10 years, Bernard ventured to the soap making business. Through the provision of start up material by RODI Kenya Bernard was able to begin his soap making business in which he makes liquid soap, bleach, disinfectants and shampoo.
His soap business gained popularity within the community and he is now the supplier of soap in the area hence the nickname ‘masabuni’ which loosely translates to the one with soap. Bernard begun this business as a means to find some source of income after he left prison but it has blossomed. The business has opened doors of opportunity for him to take his children to school giving them an upper hand in society. It has also assisted him to provide for them their basic needs
RODI plays a role in assisting in reintegration of inmates by assisting them with start up materials to begin a business and also guiding them with the necessary knowledge and skills to ensure they know how to undertake the business. RODI continues to work with prisoners to ensure they have a second chance.