Impact of prison rehabilitation programs on recidivists: A case of prisons in the North Rift region of Kenya

Abstract

Despite the enormous efforts the Kenyan government has made to reduce re offending among ex-convicts, recidivism continues to increase in the country. An increase in re offending among ex –prisoners calls for a complete re-assessment of rehabilitation programs in prisons since it appears that a large number of these programs are not working. The study thus aimed at assessing the various types of rehabilitation programs in prisons and the major factors associated with incarceration the study also sought to find out the impact that physical and human environment in prisons have on inmates and suggested the various ways in which recidivism can be reduced in Kenya. The study aimed at achieving these objectives by employing a survey research design which allowed the researcher to capture a number of prison facilities in the study area. The study used the social cognitive and planned behavior theories and the Trans theoretical model, which assume that behavior is dependent on one’s intention to perform and that crime and criminality are driven by both inner and external forces. The study used both purposive and random sampling procedures to select a sample size of 201 respondents who took part in the study. Data was collected by use of questionnaires, interview schedules and focus group discussions for both primary data and secondary data. The collected data was coded by use of SPSS and Ms Excel. The study observed that the current rehabilitation programs in prisons are not effective enough to reduce levels of recidivism in society to significant levels given the high levels of reoffending among ex- convicts. However, there are prisons initiated programs and external organizations that are working towards making rehabilitation effective in Kenya. The study revealed that the lower the socio-economic background of victims, the higher the recidivism. The study also observed that more males than females were recidivists. The study further revealed that younger criminals dominated the sample of recidivists. Moreover, the study found that the lower the level of education, the higher the recidivism. The study recommends that there is need to use the bottom-up approach in addressing the problem of recidivism in society by involving prisoners in decision making processes so that suggestions on the nature and quality of programs that would be more helpful to them after their release actually come from prisoners themselves rather than top-bottom approach. In particular, vocational programs that would enhance a variety of skills that convicts require are of greater significance; especially if such programs will assist reoffenders generate more income. In addition, there is need for the management of prisons to provide guidance and counseling as well as education and training programs among the prisoners so that they can increase their knowledge regarding negative effects associated with recidivism. Furthermore, professional psychologists in prisons should counsel prisoners and help them learn the various ways of coping with extremely stressful circumstances both at home and in society. The Government should also support rehabilitation programs in prisons in terms of both financial resources and professionals in the fields of crime and counseling so as to ensure success of these programs and therefore reduce re-offending in the country.