The Influence of Antisocial Personality Patterns on Recidivism among Non-Custodial Offenders in Nairobi County, Kenya

Recidivism of offenders has become a major focus of studies evaluating the efficacy of prison rehabilitation programs. However, there are few studies on recidivism among non-custodial offenders serving community sentences. This study used descriptive survey design to examine the influence of antisocial personality patterns on recidivism among non-custodial offenders in Nairobi County, Kenya. Structured and close ended questionnaires were used to obtain data on 139 recidivists out of 146 target population of recidivists in Nairobi County. Recidivism was measured by the number of rearrests, reconvictions and re-incarceration while as antisocial personality patterns were measured by aggression, callous disregard of others, lack of empathy, and impulsivity. The results indicated that most recidivists acknowledged presence of anti-social personality patterns that influenced reoffending. The results highlights the importance of understanding antisocial personality patterns and future research should help in coming up with rehabilitation interventions to address recidivism. The study concludes that antisocial personality patterns have direct influence on recidivism. It is recommended that the current findings needs to the further replicated and explored in other study locations.