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INTRODUCTION
KEFABIS TRUST is a non-governmental organization that works to reintegrate ex-
convicts back to society through various programmes. KEFABIS stands for Kenya Ex-
prisoners Fighting for Acceptance Back Into Society.
We are guided by the following Vision and Mission
Vision
A society where Ex-convicts are accepted as part of the community without discrimination
Mission
To reconcile Ex-convicts with the society and facilitate Social Reintegration and Economic
Empowerment
Motto
Tuwapokee kwa Upendo na Huruma {Recieve them with Love and Mercy}
Our Programs include the following:
Rehabilitation
We offer rehabilitation for ex- convicts who are rejected by the community.
Empowerment
Ex-prisoners empowerment seeks to advance the role of ex-prisoners, strengthening and
empowering them on the individual and collective level to foster human values, sustain peace
and develop families, communities and societies around the country and world at large.
Education
We offer education and courses for the inmates who are condemned and ex-convicts, there are
those who did not get chance to go to school due to lack of fees or they were incarcerated at an
early age, we therefore facilitate them to go back to school and undertake courses such as
catering, computer training, to empower them to be independent.
HIV
We have a group of HIV counsellors within KEFABIS, who train communities how to live
positively and also offer counselling services to infected and affected persons.
Garbage collection initiatives
We mobilize some of the ex-prisoners into groups that engage in garbage collecting work as
part of their community responsibility services.
Music
We use music as a medium of spreading the gospel and positive messages within our
communities and also to the society at large including those serving sentences in prison.
Evangelism
KEFABIS has a group of evangelists who evangelize in their respective communities.
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SUMMARY
The following is a breakdown of the activities that KEFABIS has spearheaded in various parts
of Kenya, challenges encountered and proposed plans of action.
This report will assist in informing the
Compiled by:
Elizabeth Ndunge - Executive Director , KEFABIS TRUST.
Karuri Kigume - Counsellor
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Introduction…………………………………………………… 1
Summary………………………………………………………….2
Table of Content………………………………………………..3
Reports……………………………………………………………4
Budget…………………………………………………………….7
Pictorial…………………………………………………………..8
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Reports of Group Visits
KISUMU (Western Kenya)
Started by Boda-Boda (motorcycle short distance taxi operators) ex-prisoners group brought
together by Jared Okumu after hearing Elizabeth on radio speaking of KEFABIS. Started in
2013 November. They also joined ladies ex-prisoners after Jared gave talks in churches.
Their main activities are making sisal ropes, mats, baskets and clay pots. They have now
started carpentry projects alongside their Boda-Boda business.
Challenges
Some members are elderly e.g. a man who lost eye sight when he was in Kamiti prison but
has to make a living through weaving sisal which is a struggle. Some women may be forced
into prostitution to get income because the sisal produce market is very low and yet they
need to support their families. Some may even get involved in illegal activities in a hope of
survival that may land them back in jail.
Proposed plan of action
Increase Boda-Boda motor bikes that would in-turn group’s increase income. Although they
enjoy sisal making they feel they would benefit more from agricultural initiatives e.g. crop
farming and poultry keeping.
VIHIGA (Western Kenya)
Started by ex-prisoners after hearing Elizabeth on Citizen (local) radio. This group started
with carpentry and clay bricks (matofali) making. When it started, it was men-only group but
have now involved ladies ex-prisoners. Started in 2013 towards end of November. Ladies are
involved in making clay pots, sisal and reed baskets.
Challenges
The area is prone to stigmatization of ex-prisoners and about 38 have been rejected by their
families/community who even deny them jobs and opportunities to support themselves. This
may result in a high number going back to prison where they feel accepted.
Another challenge is that the source of the firewood used to burn bricks is very expensive and
scarce.
Proposed plan of action
Come up with projects that will generate good income to support the group and keep them
all occupied e.g. making jikos (local stoves) of which they have a member among them who is
skilled in this art and is willing to train them. They have also been trained by Crown paints
ltd (a paint manufacturer) on wall painting and if supplied with start-up material they can
provide painting services to the community. The women are interested in making clay pots
but due to poor market they are willing to try out other ventures.
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KILIFI –WATAMU (Coastal Kenya)
The group was started by Boniface Muli in November 2013 after listening to Elizabeth on
Radio Citizen. He brought together ex-prisoners from around and invited them to start the
group. The group's main projects are making carvings, masaai sandals for selling to tourists.
They are also engaged in art drawing, garbage collection project and support the community
through counselling young girls who are working as prostitutes and returning them to their
homes. In cases where the parents were involved in sending the girls to this trade, they
intervene and counsel the parents/ guardians and sometimes may need to report them to
administrative authorities if they prove difficult.
Challenges
A large number of members especially the ladies are in the streets taking part in prostitution
and drugs thus exposing themselves to illegal trade and illnesses. In order to reach out to
them they often have to be sought out from their hideouts. Another lot has since gone back
to prison with various offences. Market for their produce is very low due to low tourist
numbers at the coast.
Proposed plan of action
Attend meetings with the County Commissioner, administrative authorities, and Rotarians to
discuss the rehabilitation program for drug addicts
Come up with a proposal to be submitted to KEFABIS board outlining income generating
projects they wish to engage in to provide sources of livelihood for members and be self-
dependent.
MALINDI (Coastal Kenya)
This was initially part of the Watamu Amua Group founded by Boniface Muli. The new group
is headed by Chege. Their activities are similar as stated above for Amua. However there is one
member that is engaged in poultry farming. The group has both women and men.
Challenges
Similar to the Watamu group as above. It was noted that about 90 percent of the women
members are HIV positive some showing visible existence of opportunistic diseases resulting
from the condition.
KANGUNDO (Eastern Kenya)
This group was started by Elizabeth Ndunge after she left prison in consultation with the area
administrative chief to assist in reintegrating and rehabilitating ex-prisoners. This being her
home district in March 2013 she started talking about acceptance of ex-prisoners at chief's
barazas (local administrative gatherings). The group's main income generating activity is crop
farming. The group sells its produce at the local market centre. The group has continued to
grow. The group is now led by Mutinda Nzuve and has both men and women.
Challenges
The market opportunities for their produce is low and therefore most of their produce ends up
being wasted thus losing them income. They have simple watering collection methods which
comprises of collecting water from the river for irrigation using jerry cans. This limits their
irrigation capacity, which if improved can help them generate more farm produce.
Proposed plan of action
Need a simple irrigation pump and storage tanks to improve irrigation for better yields. They
also require support in marketing their produce. The group has really grown and they
proposed diversification into other projects e.g. poultry, bead training and shoe making so as
to avoid relying on one source of income and to keep all members engaged and provided for.
Submit proposal for projects and self-sustaining programs to KEFABIS board.
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As part of their community service they would like to be involved in prison visits within their
locality to speak to inmates. They were advised to put their request to the board in writing,
who will then review and forward to prisons authorities.
PROJECTS BUDGET
Report Pictorial
The pictures Location from left to right, in descending order.
1. Amua watamu group; 1-Committee members of Amua group and Ex-Malindi groups
2. Giving hope to the groups through encouraging members
3. Kagundo groups in Machakos County
4. Reintergration in Kiambu County of Mr. Muigai
5. Kilifi County Amua group
6. Vihiga County, Mbale constituency
