The Bill proposed by the Power of Mercy Advisory Committee on handling reformed criminals has a number of good ideas, among the best being the proposal to give former prisoners certificates of good conduct.
The 96 Death Row convicts and life imprisonment inmates who were pardoned by President Mwai Kibaki and President Uhuru Kenyatta, following Pomac’s recommendations, will also benefit as none of them has been involved in a crime since their release.
A certificate of good conduct for reformed former prisoners opens many doors, including a chance to find employment, thus reducing joblessness that is conducive to criminal conduct.
Imprisonment has negative impacts on individuals, families and communities. Prison reform in Kenya needs to recognise at all times that a sentence to jail means a deprivation of liberty, a basic right; it does not mean withholding other human rights.
Reintegrating former prisoners in society cannot be a meaningful success without taking economic factors into consideration.
