by Dorothy Arenga and Rose Neema Onyango
Kibos Maximum Prison, Kisumu, Kenya. Early observations from Kibos Maximum Prison indicate noticeable behavioral and relational changes among inmates participating in a structured human development initiative focused on internal growth, self-awareness, and humanist values.
The initiative was launched on 14 February 2026 (Valentine’s Day) under the symbolic theme “Unlimited Love: Unlocking Potential, Building Humanity.” The launch framed love in its broader human meaning: empathy, dignity, reconciliation, and recognition of shared humanity.
From the beginning, the approach has emphasized that even within highly constrained environments, individuals retain the capacity for reflection, change, and personal reconstruction when provided with structured opportunities grounded in dignity and learning.
Thematic Structure and Learning Approach
The initiative is structured around a thematic framework where the Internal Development thematic table serves as the spearhead, supported by complementary thematic tables on Education and Gender-Based Violence (GBV).
The Internal Development table focuses on self-awareness, emotional regulation, reflection, consciousness, and personal transformation. The Education table strengthens cognitive skills, learning capacity, and intellectual engagement, while the GBV table promotes awareness, prevention, respect, and nonviolent relationships.
Together, these pillars create an integrated approach aimed at both personal transformation and improved social relations within the prison environment.
The sessions are being facilitated by Ms. Dorothy Adenga, Ms. Rose Neema, Mr. Antonio Carvallo, and the World Humanist Forum. While the facilitators bring extensive experience, this marks their first engagement within a maximum-security prison involving a large population of adult male inmates.
The learning process combines Humanist educational materials with African cultural perspectives and is delivered through participatory discussions, guided reflection, practical examples, group exercises, and structured take-home assignments designed to extend learning beyond classroom sessions.
Here are some photos of the sessions:
Topics covered include self-liberation (understanding body posture, mental states, and personal awareness), self-knowledge (development of attention, focus, and cognitive awareness), energy and stress management, dynamic visualization and meditation, and personal well-being. Participants receive written notes and supplementary materials to support continued independent study.
After the session, tasks encourage reflection on personal experience, observation of behavioral patterns, conscious awareness practices, and peer discussion. These activities have contributed to the spontaneous formation of peer-learning groups within the prison environment.
In addition to educational materials, the initiative has provided books, learning resources, recreational support, refreshments, and sporting equipment such as footballs, contributing to a more positive atmosphere of engagement and social interaction.
Early Institutional Observations
Preliminary feedback from prison authorities indicates that changes among participants have been observed after only a few sessions.
Speaking during an internal evaluation, Mr. Timon Warambo, Social Welfare Officer, stated: “After only two sessions, we witnessed behavioral changes among inmates. There was a noticeable improvement in relationships among prisoners themselves and also between prisoners and prison authorities.”
He further noted a shift in attitudes toward the future: “Many inmates are expressing interest in vocational training and preparation for life after prison. There is a visible reduction in resentment and greater openness to constructive discussions about the future.”
He added that participants had begun actively engaging with the material beyond class sessions: “Participants have approached the Welfare Office seeking clarification on concepts discussed during sessions. Others have formed spontaneous discussion groups to review and deepen their understanding.”
Learning Beyond the Classroom
A notable feature of the initiative is the continuation of learning beyond formal sessions.
An additional strengthening element has been the use of recorded session materials, as highlighted by Mr. Timon Warambo: “The recordings from Mr. Antonio gave a clear road map of the sessions. Inmates were able to take keen interest and understanding, and even after the session, they could re-listen carefully to deepen their comprehension.”
He noted that many participants replayed sections of the recordings, reinforcing reflection, retention, and independent learning beyond classroom time. This peer-driven and audio-supported learning process has become one of the clearest early indicators of behavioral change within the institution.
Growing Institutional Interest Beyond Kibos
A broader reflection was shared by the Officer in Charge of Kibos Maximum Prison, Mr. Billy Koshal, regarding the growing visibility of the initiative during a recent talent show day, where humanist values were visibly reflected through inmate-led cultural and creative expression.
He noted that the influence of the programme had extended beyond structured sessions into everyday prison life.
According to Mr. Koshal, the initiative has also attracted attention from neighboring correctional institutions, generating wider curiosity about its approach and impact.
During this period, the Officer in Charge of Kodiaga Prison, Mr. Opondo, expressed a strong interest in the programme after observing its influence within Kibos Maximum Prison.
He remarked, “Who are these humanists, and what do they do? I think they should also come to Kodiaga Prison. Kibos cannot benefit alone. Aerial ni moja,” emphasizing a shared mission among correctional institutions in supporting rehabilitation and inmate wellbeing.
He further added, “I think after this event, I need to meet these humanists and have a one-on-one conversation with them. Kibos cannot benefit alone.”
These reflections highlight growing institutional curiosity and recognition of the programme’s potential contribution to rehabilitation, dignity, and personal development across correctional facilities
Mr. Opondo of Kisumu Maximum Prison was also present during programme engagement sessions and acknowledged the initiative’s growing positive impact within the institution, reflecting broader institutional interest in human-centered rehabilitation approaches.
Humanist Moment of Recognition
An insightful moment illustrating the influence of the programme was shared by Mr. Billy Koshal. While moving through the institution during routine activities, he overheard inmates using a phrase repeatedly as a greeting:
“I see you in me, in me I see you.”
Curious about its meaning and origin, Mr. Koshal inquired where the expression had come from. According to him, the inmates explained that they had learned the phrase during the humanist development sessions and had adopted it as part of their daily interactions, using it as a greeting to acknowledge one another with respect and a sense of shared humanity.
Mr. Koshal noted that the exchange left a strong impression on him because it demonstrated how concepts introduced during the sessions were being carried beyond the classroom and into everyday social behavior among inmates.
The phrase, rooted in the recognition of common humanity, reflected one of the program’s central messages: that every person possesses dignity and value regardless of circumstance. Its spontaneous use as a greeting served as a practical example of how humanist principles were being understood, internalized, and lived within the prison environment.
Emerging Outcomes
Early indicators suggest improvements in several areas:
Strengthened emotional awareness and self-regulation
Improved relationships between inmates and prison authorities
Reduced resentment and increased openness
Greater interest in learning and vocational preparation
Formation of peer-learning and reflection groups
Increased critical thinking and personal responsibility
Strong engagement with human development concepts
Conclusion
From its symbolic beginning on Valentine’s Day, framed as a celebration of unlimited love, the initiative has evolved into a structured process of reflection and internal development.
The experience at Kibos Maximum Prison highlights the potential of humanist-based educational approaches to contribute to rehabilitation, personal growth, and social reintegration among incarcerated populations.
It further suggests that even within highly constrained environments, spaces of meaningful change and renewal can emerge, with Internal Development acting as the guiding spearhead supported by Education and GBV thematic engagement.
As interest from correctional leadership continues to grow, the initiative is increasingly being viewed not only as a programme within Kibos Maximum Prison, but as a model with potential relevance across correctional institutions in Kenya.
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About the Writers:
Dorothy Adenga is a Community Development and Social Work professional with a background in Early Childhood Education. She is the Founder/Director of Petals CBO and also a member of the Happy Villages Board. Dorothy works with inmates at Kibos Maximum Prison on Internal Development and Self-Liberation Programs with the World Humanist Forum. She also advocates for sexual reproductive health rights, ending Femicide, and supporting children with rare conditions. She currently serves as Board Chair and Director of Wayward School.
Rose Neema Onyango is a Kenyan Community Development Practitioner, Humanist Advocate, and women’s empowerment champion. She is the Founder and Coordinator of Risen-flame Network (RFNET), a community-based organization dedicated to empowering vulnerable populations through community development, mentorship, advocacy, and sustainable livelihood initiatives. Her work focuses on promoting social justice, human dignity, economic empowerment, and inclusive community transformation across Kenya.
