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The Heart of the Circle

The Heart of the Circle

By Clean Start Kenya

In this podcast you will hear alarming experiences of women who have been impacted by the Criminal Justice system, challenges of imprisonment and their courageous transformational journeys of reintegration back into society. We will also engage with members of society who have made it their mission to walk with these women and change their circumstances. Welcome to the heart of the circle.
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Episode 5: Jane Kioo - Breaking the bias by thriving in a male dominated world

The Heart of the CircleMar 08, 2022

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15:43
Episode 5: Jane Kioo - Breaking the bias by thriving in a male dominated world

Episode 5: Jane Kioo - Breaking the bias by thriving in a male dominated world

Jane Kioo is the epitome of women who are breaking the bias and challenging norms. At 52 years, the mother and grandmother now works in a male dominated industry as a trained carpenter. Her specialty is building caskets which is a taboo in our culture, but someone has to do it. 

She opens up about her journey, victories, challenges and lessons that have moulded her to the woman she has become today. 

#IWD2022 #BreakTheBias

Mar 08, 202215:43
Episode 4: Jane Ngugi - Rising from imprisonment to leading the women of Thika

Episode 4: Jane Ngugi - Rising from imprisonment to leading the women of Thika

Jane Ngugi was enjoying an illustrious career in the civil service as an accountant until she was accused of false accounting. She was arrested, charged and imprisoned at Langata women's prison in Nairobi. Her experience shaped her and gave her zeal to change her narrative. She was took trainings in prison as well as taught fellow inmates on various subjects. On release, Jane has worked hard to find her footing and is the chapter leader for the formerly imprisoned women in Thika. She has pushed them to register as a self help group and with the help of Clean Start, they are now running a Briquettes business. In this podcast, she talks about her journey, her lessons and plans for the future. 

Jan 10, 202226:09
Episode 3: Cyprine Omollo on the Decriminalisation of Petty Offences

Episode 3: Cyprine Omollo on the Decriminalisation of Petty Offences

In a 2015 audit, the NCAJ found that economic driven and social disturbance offences which are rated as petty; such as offences relating to lack of business licenses, being drunk and disorderly and creating disturbance form 70% of cases processed through the justice system. The laws on petty offences in Kenya trace their origin to English laws and the colonization period, as these offences were designed to restrict movement of African labourers, force them to work for a few masters in the name of curtailing crime, punish idleness, and empower the whites to make arrests without proof of actual commission of a crime. In Kenya, petty offences were used by the British colonialists to limit and control the movement of the indigenous Africans in white settlers’ areas.

At Clean Start we are part of the conversation and advocacy towards decriminalising and reclassifying petty offences. This Friday 10th December 2021, we will be hosting a Beyond The Bars Conference. Please join us virtually on these conversations. 

Dec 06, 202117:31
Nancy Ngige: Being in prison did not stop me from nurturing over 20 kids

Nancy Ngige: Being in prison did not stop me from nurturing over 20 kids

Nancy Ngige is a mother of seven and guardian to 28. Nancy has had a very harrowing experience through the criminal justice system. From being remanded three times, the second time when she was six months pregnant, to leaving her then four children behind. While in Langata Women Maximum Security Prison Nancy dealt with trauma, depression and stigma.

Despite this, Nancy stood tall and chose to make it her life’s work and purpose to empower youth and teens through education.

Nov 17, 202140:32
Sarah Odima's journey from prisoner to life coach, paralegal and author

Sarah Odima's journey from prisoner to life coach, paralegal and author

Sarah Odima was sentenced to three years in prison. A sentence that she says changed her life and set her on her current path. After serving just one year 4 months, Sarah was released to serve her new found purpose. She is now a life coach helping women in prison and out with trauma healing. She is also a trained paralegal and has been assisting women in prison with legal counsel. Sarah is pursuing her masters and authoring a book titled 'Do it Right'. She has made it her life's mission to change people's mindset and touch the lives of women one at a time. 

Oct 22, 202128:50