Breaking the Cycle: Prevalence and Patterns of Recidivism Among Male Inmates in Kakamega Main Prison, Kenya

Background: Recidivism poses a significant challenge to criminal justice systems globally, contributing to overcrowding, strained resources, and ineffective rehabilitation outcomes. In Kenya, empirical data on reoffending remain scarce, limiting the ability of policymakers to design evidence-based interventions. Aim: This study aimed to establish the prevalence and patterns of recidivism among inmates at Kakamega Main Prison, with the broader goal of informing rehabilitation and reintegration strategies. Methods: A quantitative cross-sectional design was adopted. Data were collected from a representative sample of inmates using a structured questionnaire and analyzed using descriptive statistics, including frequencies, percentages, means, and standard deviations. Findings: Results revealed a high prevalence of recidivism, with a majority of inmates reporting multiple arrests and incarcerations. Recidivism rates ranged from low to very high, underscoring variations in severity. The findings suggest that current rehabilitation efforts, which are predominantly punitive, are insufficient to address underlying behavioral and psychosocial drivers of reoffending. Conclusion: The study highlights the urgent need for reform-oriented strategies that go beyond punishment. Interventions should include vocational training, education, counseling, and structured post-release support to address both structural and psychological risk factors. Furthermore, personality-related traits emerged as an underexplored factor influencing reoffending, pointing to the need for further research. The study contributes to filling the knowledge gap on recidivism in Sub-Saharan Africa and offers actionable insights for policymakers, correctional officers, and mental health practitioners.