A working model towards desistance through entrepreneurship: a case of Chikurubi Maximum Prison

Abstract

Entrepreneurship programs to inmates are of paramount to their reintegration into the society on release. This study aimed to develop a model for desistance through entrepreneurship, addressing the socio-economic barriers ex-offenders face and providing an alternative pathway to promote desistance. The social and economic factors discussed include social stigma, unemployment, economic hardships, unavailability of starter packs and society rejection. While, the challenges facing entrepreneurship programs being overcrowding, lack of adequate training equipment, lack of financial support, classification restrictions, security oriented, no crime interventions and unavailability of space to learn. The potential role of entrepreneurship discussed included developing self-belief and skills, personal empowerment and easy social reintegration. Finally, the initiatives include crime specific interventions, documented Entrepreneurial programs and mentorship and support being entrepreneurial initiatives. A qualitative approach was adopted using exploratory research design with open-ended questions, interviews, focus groups, and document analysis. It involved a sample size of 39 participants of which 27 were conveniently selected for focus group discussions and in-depth interview while 5 were purposively selected rehabilitation officers as key informants for interviews as the goal was to gain a deeper understanding of the research topic rather than to generalize findings to a larger population. The study findings revealed that Chikurubi Maximum has some rehabilitation activities namely carpentry, auto mechanics, tree growing and welding, however there is a gap as to what exactly is required to foster desistance. Social and economic factors have a bearing on reoffending, if the entrepreneurial activities are done fully, they have a potential to uplift the wellbeing of inmates after release. The study recommended that crime specific interventions, documented Entrepreneurial programs and mentorship and support being entrepreneurial initiatives has to be integrated in the entrepreneurial programs at Chikurubi Maximum Prison