A Critical analysis of the character and motivation of the Kenyan warders and its role on the non-achievement of Kenya prisons service's vision and mission

Abstract

In 2002 Kenya introduced, prison reforms mainly to address human rights issues m incarceration centers. However, as time went by her goal became reforming the prisons from a· place of torture and punishment into correction and rehabilitation based facilities. This study sought to analyze and determine the character and motivation of prison wardens and their role in the achievement of Kenya Prison's Service's vision and mission. The study focused on the wardens because they are the main implementer s when it comes to prison policy. It was the author's opinion that a majority of studies had been made regarding the effects of inmate based reforms but none had been made on wardens and their roles. In conducting the research, the author used the qualitative method. Data was collected by used of questionnaires. The study found that warden's needs and welfare was better acknowledged in the urban prisons while those of the wardens in rural prisons had been ignored. As a result, the wardens whose needs had not been fulfilled had no positive motivation, flawed character and negatively impacted KPS's aim and vision of rehabilitation. On the other hand, the wardens who had their needs and welfare taken care of had positive motivation, better character, were better influences and positively impacted their employer's aim. The study recommends that although KPS has made substantial efforts, more concerning reforms that target wardens need to be done so as to ensure that the wardens have positive motivation, good character and positively impact the achievement of their employer's goals.