Effect of In-Custody Remandee-Convict Interactions on Reintegration of Acquitted Remandees in Kakamega County

Abstract

More recently, a growing body of research has examined how peers in prison can influence reentry outcomes. Although existing research on the role of prison peers in the reentry process is somewhat limited, or "incomplete" findings from studies that do exist on the topic mirror trends in the broader literature as higher levels of peer criminality relate to higher rates of crime, substance use, and as consequence recidivism, hence unsuccessful reintegration of remandees upon release from prison. This study investigated the effect of in-custody remandee-convict interactions on reintegration of acquitted remandees in Kakamega County, Kenya. The study was underpinned in the Labelling theory and Social Learning theory and adopted a descriptive survey design employing a mixed method of data collection.  The study used a stratified random sampling technique to obtain acquitted remandees and purposive sampling to get Correctional Officers, Assistant Chiefs and community members who took part in the study as key informants. A sample of 400 acquitted remandees was selected from a population of 1,427 using Yamane's sample apportionment formula. In addition, 9 Correctional Officers working within Kakamega County, 8 community members and 8 assistant chiefs from Sub-Locations with the highest number of returning remandees in Kakamega County were included in the study as key informants. Study data were collected using a questionnaire for acquitted remandees, interviews schedule for Prison Officers and Probation Officers, and Focus Group Discussion guide for community members and Assistant Chiefs. Validity of the data collection instrument was ascertained through expert review and reliability of the study questionnaire was ascertained using the internal consistency method where Cronbach's Alpha Coefficient of Reliability of 0.874 was achieved. Quantitative data was analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 28 for windows. Both descriptive and inferential statistics were used in the study. Qualitative data were analyzed thematically where identified themes informed discussion lines. All statistical measurements with regards to quantitative data were performed within 95% confidence interval. Findings revealed a statistically significant relationship between in-custody remandee-convict interaction and reintegration of acquitted remandees in Kakamega County, Kenya (r=0.683; P<0.05). Regression analysis revealed a coefficient of determination (R²) of 0.317 which implied that 31.7% of the variance in the reintegration of acquitted remandees in Kakamega County was attributed to in-custody remandee-convict interactions. Based on the findings and conclusions of the study, a recommendation was made that deliberate efforts be made to minimize if not eliminate in-custody remandee-convict interactions. This can be achieved through adequate funding by the state department for correctional services to build separate facilities for released remandees and convicts.

Keywords: In-Custody, Remandee, Convict, Interaction, Reintegration

DOI: 10.7176/JLPG/134-09

Publication date:July 31^st 2023