The Impact of Christian Interventions in Rehabilitation of Offenders and Reduction of Recidivism: A Case Study of Kodiaga Maximum Prison, Kisumu County

Abstract

Religion has a role in ensuring conformity and regulation of human behavior through moral and ethical guidance. However, deviation from the norms and values results in punitive measures such as incarceration, which is believed to be justice for the aggrieved. Despite the existence of punitive measures, crime continues unabated. Additionally, the probability of ex-inmates reoffending is high. This has been attributed to an extremely high economic state with a high burgeoning need to be satiated. The study assessed the impact of Christian interventions in reducing recidivism and their effectiveness in rehabilitating inmates. Through the authority of scripture, Christianity commands believers not to steal or covet a neighbor’s property but to work with their hands. Thus, when individuals fail to observe such principles, the law catches up with them through punitive incarceration. The study area, the Kodiaga prison, is the largest prison in western Kenya. The study employed a qualitative research method and data collection tools that involved interviews and questionnaires. The pastoral Circle theory was applied because of its great input in defining social issues as crime. The finding posited that several Christian intervention programs bible study, Christian counseling, and mentorship, Music offered at Kodiaga prison had a positive impact on transforming the lives of inmates. This greatly helped the inmates reintegrate and resettle after incarceration, thus reducing the probability of offending.