Conjugal Visits Should be Allowed in Kenya Prisons

By Njeri Mickeydan Kioko

Countries which permit conjugal visits include Australia (only in Australian Capital Territory and Victoria), the United States (US) (only in the states of California, Connecticut, New York, and Washington), Canada, the Russian Federation, various European countries (e.g. Belgium, Denmark, Spain, France, Sweden, Poland, Switzerland, Germany, Netherlands and Greece), the Middle East (e.g. Saudi Arabia, Türkiye, Israel), Asia (e.g. India, Pakistan, Philippines) and in Latin America (e.g. Mexico, Brazil, Colombia, Chile, Ecuador, Peru, Costa Rica, Guatemala, Venezuela, El Salvador, Bolivia) (Einat, 2017; Temitayo, 2018).

When you think about prison, you probably imagine a tough, no-nonsense environment where people are locked up as punishment for their crimes. But what if allowing prisoners to have private, intimate visits with their spouses or partners could help them become better people? That’s the argument made by supporters of conjugal visits, a practice that lets prisoners spend quality time with their loved ones in a controlled setting. While it might sound surprising, there are some good reasons to consider this approach.

Keeping Families Together

One of the biggest arguments for conjugal visits is that they help keep families strong. When someone goes to prison, it doesn’t just affect them—it affects their whole family. Spouses, partners, and kids often feel the strain of separation, and relationships can fall apart. Conjugal visits allow families to stay connected, which can make a huge difference for everyone involved.

For example, imagine a dad who’s in prison but gets to see his wife and kids during a conjugal visit. That time together can help him feel like he’s still part of the family, even while he’s serving his sentence. And for the kids, knowing that their dad is still there for them can provide a sense of stability during a rough time. Studies have shown that prisoners who stay close to their families are less likely to go back to crime after they’re released. So, in a way, conjugal visits aren’t just about the prisoner—they’re about helping families stay intact.

Another reason people support conjugal visits is that they can motivate prisoners to behave better. If you know that good behavior could earn you time with your loved ones, you’re more likely to follow the rules and stay out of trouble. This can make prisons safer for both inmates and staff.

Plus, these visits can give prisoners something to look forward to, which can be a big deal when you’re stuck in a place that’s often depressing and stressful. Having hope and a sense of connection can make a huge difference in someone’s mental health, and that can lead to better outcomes overall.

Let’s be honest—prison is a tough place. It’s supposed to be, because it’s a form of punishment. But that doesn’t mean we should treat prisoners like they’re not human. Conjugal visits are a way to recognize that even people who’ve made mistakes still have feelings and needs. Allowing them to maintain relationships with their partners can help them stay grounded and remind them that there’s a life waiting for them on the outside.

Some people worry that conjugal visits are too “soft” on criminals, but supporters argue that it’s not about being soft—it’s about being smart. If we want prisoners to come out of jail as better people, we need to give them the tools to change. Conjugal visits can be one of those tools, helping them stay connected to the people who matter most and giving them a reason to turn their lives around.

Recidivism is the rate at which former prisoners reoffend. When prisoners maintain strong family ties, they are more likely to have a support system in place upon release. This support system can be crucial in helping them reintegrate into society, find employment, and avoid falling back into criminal behavior.

Research has shown that prisoners who participate in family visitation programs, including conjugal visits, are less likely to return to prison. For instance, a study conducted found that prisoners who maintained close relationships with their families were 13% less likely to reoffend after release. This suggests that conjugal visits can play a significant role in breaking the cycle of crime and incarceration.

Promoting Mental Health

Prison can be an incredibly isolating experience, leading to depression, anxiety, and other mental health issues. Conjugal visits can provide a much-needed emotional boost, helping prisoners cope with the stresses of incarceration. The opportunity to spend time with a loved one can alleviate feelings of loneliness and despair, contributing to better mental health outcomes.

Moreover, improved mental health can lead to better behavior within the prison. Prisoners who are less stressed and more emotionally stable are less likely to engage in violent or disruptive behavior, creating a safer environment for both inmates and staff.

Conjugal visits can also encourage prisoners to take responsibility for their actions and work towards rehabilitation. Knowing that they have the opportunity to spend time with their loved ones can motivate prisoners to participate in educational programs, vocational training, and other rehabilitative activities. This sense of purpose and responsibility can be a powerful driver of positive change.

In addition, conjugal visits can help prisoners develop and maintain healthy relationships, which are essential for successful reintegration into society. By fostering a sense of accountability and commitment, these visits can help prisoners build the skills and attitudes needed to lead law-abiding lives after release.

Conjugal visits in prisons are a tough topic, but they raise important questions about what we want our justice system to do. Supportees say these visits aren't about being soft on inmates - they're about helping prisoners stay connected to their families, which can reduce recidivism and make prisons safer. Yes, there are concerns about cost, security, and fairness, but with careful rules and oversight, conjugal visits could strike a balance between punishment and rehabilitation.

At the end of the day, it's about deciding what kind of justice system we want. Should it just punish people, or should it give them a chance to change? Conjugal visits might be one way to make prisons more humane while still holding people accountable for their actions. It's an easy answer, but it's worth thinking about.