Gender related challenges in re-integration of female prisoners in Western Kenya

Cliffiord Okello

doi:10.51867/ajernet.6.3.77

Authors

Cliffiord Okello
cliff0008okello@gmail.com
Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology, Kenya

Keywords:

Female Recidivism, Family Dynamics, Gender-Based Rehabilitation, Gendered Pathways Theory, Reintegration, Relational Theory, Stigma, Western Kenya, Vocational Training

Abstract

The reintegration of female prisoners into society presents unique challenges that are often overlooked in criminological literature, which has traditionally focused on male offenders. Gender-related issues, including stigmatization, family dynamics, and the lack of gender-responsive rehabilitation programs, significantly impact the reintegration process for women post-incarceration. This study investigates the gender-related challenges faced by female prisoners in Western Kenya during their reintegration. The research was done in Kakamega Women Prison, Bungoma Women Prison and Busia Women Prison and the aim of the research was to look at patterns of recidivism and how effective rehabilitation programmes on women according to their needs are. Based on the gendered pathways theory and relational theory, the study applied the descriptive research design, focusing on 150 women recidivists recruited using the purposive and random sampling technique. These data were collected using questionnaires and key informant interviews, focus group discussions. The quantitative data were analyzed with the help of SPSS, and qualitative data were analyzed using content analysis. The research also showed that poor rehabilitation plans, low levels of education, and enduring social exclusion are also contributing factors to high recidivism rates of female offenders in Western Kenya. Other challenges that many women have to encounter include those of familial rejection and fragmentation of relationships which makes their re-integration in the society a lot harder. The research supports the importance of gender-based rehabilitation programs such as vocational training and psychological support as this is required to meet the physiological needs of female inmates. The research also emphasizes community reception and the options of economic opportunities to help in the elimination of recidivism and successful reintegration. The results indicate that the issue of female recidivism requires integrated policy solutions and more specific rehabilitation programs, in order to minimize its western Kenyan recurrence.

Dimensions

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