Assessing The Influence Of Rehabilitation Programs In Controlling Juvenile Delinquency In Kenya: A Case Study Of Dagoretti And Kabete Rehabilitation Schools

Abstract

Cases of crimes committed by juveniles have been increasing to the detriment of their education and health while imposing stress on the judicial system. Juveniles have also been reported to reoffend at high rates which has become a concern to the society. This study examined the role of rehabilitation programmes in controlling juvenile delinquency in Dagoretti and Kabete Rehabilitation schools. The study looked into the existing rehabilitation programmes for juvenile delinquents, competency level of staff in handling juvenile delinquents, policies and regulations in programmes and the social and economic impacts of rehabilitation programmes on the juvenile delinquents. The role of these centres has therefore not been clearly determined. This study was grounded on Rehabilitation theory and Labeling theory. The study used descriptive survey design method and utilized systematic random sampling to select 66 juvenile delinquents and 28 staff members. The study used questionnaires, key informant interviews, FGDs and observation method to collect data. Descriptive statistical tools such as percentages and frequency distributions were used to analyze quantitative data while qualitative data were analyzed by content analysis. The study found that rehabilitation programmes for juvenile delinquents were educational programmes, vocational programmes and counseling and psychosocial services. The type of rehabilitation programme received by most juveniles was primary school followed by bakery and confectionery, fashion and design and masonry. The facilities which attracted the highest satisfaction were learning and training facilities, classrooms and workshops and rules. Both the level of skills for staff and level of satisfaction with education, skills and training of staff members in delivering programmes were relatively high. The school rules were beneficial since they regulate children’s behavior, maintain harmonious relationships and prepare children for reintegration. Perception of both children and staff on effectiveness of the rehabilitation programmes was mainly very high and good respectively. The benefits of rehabilitation programmes were alleviating reoffending and adult criminality, behaviour modification and providing access to education and skills training for employment opportunities. The challenges that affected delivery of the rehabilitation programmes were inadequately trained personnel, inadequate funding and staff, lack of parental involvement and negative attitude from the community. The study recommends that Government should provide adequate funds to support rehabilitation programmes in terms of employment of more staff, in-service training, recruitment of counselors and psychologists and provision of adequate classrooms, workshops, equipment and basic needs. Efforts should also be made to provide juveniles with startup funds, working tools and assistance in marketing their products. The Government through the judiciary should ensure that criminal proceedings for juveniles are concluded speedily and promote good coordination between social welfare and police department. Efforts should also be made to encourage parental involvement and improve the community attitude on the juveniles. Further studies are therefore recommended in the other rehabilitation schools in the country. More information can also be obtained by benchmarking for best practices in rehabilitation schools from other countries.