Role of Vocational Training Programmes in Reducing Recidivism Amongst Youth Drug Offenders: Case in Kamiti Youth Corrective Training Centre

Abstract

Recidivism refers to the act of a convict committing crime and being re-arrested within a period of time after successful completion of a prison term. Youth is reported to be affected mostly by recidivism because of drug abuse through peer pressure. According to ( Kenya Prison Statistic data 2014),the rate of recidivism has ranged from 60% to 80% from year 2000 to 2014 indicating youth being the most affected. This is a true picture of how jail frameworks have a problem with their rehabilitation of prisoners through the programmes offered. The study sought to investigate the role of vocational training programmes in reducing recidivism amongst youth drug offenders incarcerated at Kamiti Youth Corrective and Training Centre in Kiambu County. The researcher selected only the 64 convicted inmates, 10 prison warders who had served more than ten years, 4 trainers and 2 counselors. The study used both qualitative and quantitative method to collect data. The data was analyzed through frequencies and percentages that were presented according to the objectives of the study. The study established the corrective facility did not meet the expectations of its purpose because it lacked most important vocational training programmes one could expect to find .There was no crucial programmes like; masonry, tailoring, plumbing, building and construction, electrical wiring and carpentry. The institution lacked almost all training materials and enough trained staff for training. Four month duration was seen not enough for training to some of the technical training. Reintegration to the society was also seen to be poor after juvenile release. The researcher recommended introduction of modern tools and materials for training, add more trainers, increase length of duration to one year, check on reintegration of offenders to the society, utilize staff professionals inside the facility, provide certificate after release, improve counseling, probation officers to inquire and gather all information on youth recidivist to avoid conviction back of juvenile to the corrective center and review Chapter 90 of prisons act