DOI: 10.36347/sjahss.2019.v07i04.001

Pages: 251-262

The influence of religion as a treatment alternative in prison is as old as the history of Prisons. Religion for the prison chaplains is an essential part of rehabilitation for inmates. Religion in prisons has been used as an effective tool to rehabilitate inmates so that they can be productive in their lives post-prison. Christian Chaplains have been supportive of rehabilitation of inmates by offering various faith-based programmes to the inmates. However, studies have shown that Prison Chaplains do not only offer religious forms of rehabilitation but also engage in other administrative duties. The aim of this paper therefore was to examine the role of pastoral programmes in the rehabilitation of inmates in Western Kenya Counties. Specifically, the paper examined how various pastoral programmes have been utilised in the rehabilitation of inmates in prisons of western Kenya Counties. The study obtained data for analysis through questionnaires, interview, focus group discussion and observation administered to the chaplains/catechists, officers in charge of prisons and inmates. The results show that a number of pastoral programmes are available to inmates to aid in their rehabilitation and integration back to their communities. These programmes promote sound ethical and moral values with the aim of addressing offending behaviour. This paper provides evidence linking pastoral programmes and rehabilitation of prison inmates in Kenya.