Violent Extremism and Radicalization among Youth in Prisons: A Case of Langata Womens, Kamiti and Shimo La Tewa Prisons in Kenya

There has been a global increase in the rates terrorism, violent extremism and radicalization throughout the world. Therefore, prisons are having to house and increasing number of radicalized inmates. This is especially pertinent, as it has been seen that terrorists and violent extremists often use their time within prison trying to radicalize their fellow inmates. The main objectives of this research were to determine the causes and challenges of violent extremism and radicalization among youth in Kenyan prisons. Subsequently, give recommendations to tackle violent extremism and radicalization among youth in Kenyan Prisons. The literature review commented upon research regarding how prisons often act as hotbeds for terrorist recruitment, with suggestions on reform to make prisons and their staff more capable in dealing with the problems associated with terrorist inmates. A number of findings and conclusions were made: - Firstly, there is indeed an increase of radicalization and violent extremism within the prison system, both globally and within Kenya. Social, economic and political exclusion can indeed lead to individuals turning to a life of crime, becoming radicalized and/or becoming terrorists or violent extremists. Furthermore, there is a strong correlation between the rate of recidivism and radicalization of inmates within prisons, as prisons have been seen to be recruitment havens for terrorists. The study recommends that radicalized prisoners be segregated from other inmates during incarceration, which will require better allocation of resources from Government. Prison staff should be adequately trained, so as to implement such rules to keep terrorists and other offenders away from one another. Penal and constitutional reforms should be made so that ex-inmates receive adequate support to successfully reintegrate back into society once they have left prison. Furthermore, holistic and comprehensive de-radicalization programmes should be put in place for terrorist inmates.