The Restorative Prisoner Rehabilitation and Re-Integration project aims at supporting offender rehabilitation and Reintegration with a primary focus of equipping prisoners with vocational and life skills to help enhance their self-esteem, hope in life, self-support and to appease and endear ex-prisoners to the community besides enabling them to contribute towards community and national development.

Bernard Wafula, known in his community as ‘Masabuni,’ is a living testament to resilience and the transformative power of second chances. Once an inmate at Eldoret Main Prison, Bernard’s journey from incarceration to entrepreneurial success is a remarkable story of hard work and determination.

During his time in prison, Bernard took part in RODI Kenya’s vocational training programs, where he gained valuable skills in agroecology, value addition, soap making, and baking. This training laid the foundation for a new chapter in his life, equipping him with the knowledge needed to start afresh upon his release after a decade of incarceration.

Without access to agricultural land, Bernard turned to soap making as a viable path forward. With support from RODI Kenya, he launched a soap-making business, producing a range of products including liquid soap, bleach, disinfectants, and shampoo. His dedication and skill quickly garnered community support, and Bernard earned the nickname ‘Masabuni,’ which translates to “the one who sells soap.”

Bernard’s venture did more than just provide him with a livelihood. It allowed him to accumulate enough capital to support his family. With his newfound success, he was able to start a ‘mitumba’ (second-hand clothing) business for his wife and ensure his children received a quality education.

Bernard Wafula’s story is an inspiring example of how resilience and support can lead to extraordinary transformations. From the confines of prison to becoming a respected local entrepreneur, his journey continues to inspire and uplift those around him, proving that with determination and opportunity, change is indeed possible.