Relationship Between Family Risk And Resiliency Factors And Recidivism Of Petty Offenders In Kiambu Prison, Kenya

Recidivism is a multifaceted problem whose cause(s) may originate from the individual or the family or the correctional facilities or the community itself. This study sought to establish the relationship between family risk and resiliency factors on recidivism of petty offenders in Kiambu prison, Kenya. The study used a correctional research design as it sought to establish the relationships that exist between the independent and dependent variables. The target population was both convicted and un-convicted prisoners in Kiambu prison as well as prison staff at Kiambu prison. Questionnaires, focus group discussions and Interviews schedules were used to collect primary data from the inmates and the prison officers serving at G.K prison at Kiambu while previous research materials and records on Kiambu prisoners were used to collect secondary information. Both qualitative and quantitative data analysis techniques were employed in the study. Qualitative data was analyzed thematically according to the research objectives while quantitative data was coded, verified and analyzed using Statistical package for Social sciences (SPSS IBM version 21.0). Correlation and regression analysis were used. The study hypothesized a correlation between family support, family interpersonal conflict and family criminality and recidivism of petty offenders in Kiambu prison. Findings revealed that most of the inmates (92.5%) had previously been convicted of other crimes prior to the current crime they are serving. This was an indication of a high prevalence of criminal recidivism among petty offenders in Kiambu prison. Furthermore, less likelihood of criminal recidivism was apparent for those inmates who received support from their families. This was also consistent for those inmates whose families experienced less interpersonal conflicts as well as those inmates whose family’s members/relatives had never been convicted for any crime before. The study found that from the responses of the prison staff, communication, training and education as well as therapeutic alternatives to punishment were effective in reducing the rate of criminal recidivism of petty offenders in Kiambu prison. The study recommends that parents and immediate family members need to enhance their social ties in helping the previously convicted members. This being a responsibility of the whole community, the study encourages the county government to secure enough social amenities to help the released inmates in securing a job or get employment skills. These facilities can be strategically set up in the Kiambu County in order to offer additional post-release support to the inmates once they are released from prison.