From Chains to Change: Navigating Life After Imprisonment

I remember vividly that Friday morning in May 2015. My aunt and cousin came to pick me up from Kiambu Law Courts—I had just been released. The moment was surreal. The weight of  the last six months behind bars and about two years navigating the court system lifted as I stepped outside, breathing in the fresh air. It felt like the world had shifted, and I whispered to my cousin, "This is like a dream." She turned to me and said, "It’s not a dream, it’s real. You are free."  

I went home, and the rest, as they say, is history. But what no one tells you is that freedom is not just about walking out of those prison gates—it’s about what happens next. Reintegration is one of the hardest things anyone can face after imprisonment. The world moves on, people change, and if you don’t have the right support, it’s easy to feel lost. But reintegration is possible. It’s a journey, not a destination, and with the right steps, you can rebuild your life.  

Here are six  things that helped me reintegrate successfully: 

1. Acceptance & Forgiveness – The first battle is within. I had to accept my past without letting it define my future. Forgiving myself was the hardest, but it was also the most freeing thing I ever did.  

2. A Support System That Believes in You – I surrounded myself with people who saw me, not my past. Whether it was family, friends, or a small community, their encouragement kept me going.  

3. Finding Purpose Through Service – Giving back was one of the most powerful ways I found healing. When I started helping other women going through what I had faced, I realised my story had a purpose.  For the last 10 years, I have been employed at Clean Start Africa, an organisation that  empowers formerly imprisoned women, ensuring that they, too, have a chance to rebuild their lives. Through this, I found dignity, confidence, and the means to stand on my own. 

4 Family as a Pillar of Strength – My family played a crucial role in my reintegration. My sister took care of my daughter while I worked to rebuild my life, and I was housed by family for some time as I found my footing. Their support gave me the space and security to focus on healing and planning my next steps.  

5. Economic Empowerment & Personal Development  – Reintegration is nearly impossible without financial stability. It is important to look for ways to rebuild your life—whether through employment, entrepreneurship, or vocational training. Beyond just earning a living, personal development, capacity building, and continuous training are key to long-term success. I made a deliberate effort to invest in myself, and over the years, I have been trained by ALICT (African Leadership Institute for Community Transformation), Coady Institute at St. Francis Xavier University, and the Feminist Movement Building School. These are just but few of the training opportunities that broadened my perspective, strengthened my leadership skills, and equipped me to support other women on their journey.  

6. Faith & Mental Resilience – Many times, I wanted to give up. The reality of reintegration can feel overwhelming—people judge, doors close, and at times, loneliness creeps in.  But I was blessed to have a strong support system in my family and church. Word of Life Chapel Umoja  became my anchor. They prayed with me, encouraged me, and reminded me that God had a plan for my life. It was through this foundation that I found the strength to keep pushing forward, even when the road felt impossible.  

To anyone out there struggling with reintegration, know this: your past is a chapter, not the whole book. Keep pushing, keep believing, and never stop rebuilding. Freedom is not just about being released—it’s about reclaiming your life.