Literacy Levels of Prisoners

Many prisoners enter custody with a history of under-achievement and poor skills. Over 60% of all prisoners lack basic literacy and numeracy skills. Despite recent progress in the wake of penal reforms in Kenya, prisoners have not been given appropriate opportunities to address their education and training needs, both in prison and beyond. Assessment of education needs is often inadequate. There has not been any concerted effort to improve standards across the prison community through education and training. No significant initiatives such as introduction of core curriculum and development of basic skills provision.

Education and training by the prison authorities is rare and where it exists, it is marred by lack of resources and is seen as a means of keeping prisoners occupied, rather than providing them with the necessary skills. As a result, the skills and commitment of prisoners in the prison-based education and training has gone untapped. Evidence shows that education and training can have a big impact in reducing crime and re-offending.

Raising educational and skills levels has a positive impact on employability, a key factor in reducing re-offending. It can also improve self-esteem and motivation of prisoners who more often than not feel worthless.

Prisoners attending education and training are less likely to re-offend. Development of core curriculum provides a framework for further change.