Babu Owino Proposes Bill to Clear Criminal Records for Reformed Offenders, Boost Job Opportunities.
Embakasi East MP Babu Owino has tabled a proposal to amend the Criminal Procedure Code of Kenya to allow reformed offenders to have their criminal records expunged, giving them a fair chance at employment. Appearing before the Justice and Legal Affairs Committee on Thursday, August 14, 2025, Owino argued that many Kenyans who have fully served their sentences or paid fines continue to face job discrimination due to records attached to their certificate of good conduct issued by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI).
“Once a member of society serves their sentence—whether in prison or by paying a fine—they should be able to rebuild their lives. But because the criminal record clearance certificate always reflects past offences, many are unfairly disqualified from jobs,” Owino told the committee.
The MP stressed that the amendment is not a free pass for all offences. His Bill specifically excludes capital offences and sexual crimes, focusing instead on minor or non-violent offences where individuals have demonstrated reform. Owino also expressed openness to refining the Bill by introducing a monitoring or waiting period of two to three years post-sentence to confirm genuine rehabilitation before records are cleared.
Committee members, led by Tharaka MP George Murugara and Ruaraka MP Tom Kajwang, welcomed the debate but raised concerns about how to verify true reform. Kajwang suggested a structured rehabilitation assessment before granting amnesty.
Kenya’s Criminal Procedure Code governs investigations, arrests, trials, and sentencing, balancing the rights of the accused with the interests of justice. However, critics argue that the current system unfairly punishes offenders beyond their sentences, making it nearly impossible for them to access meaningful employment.
If passed, the Babu Owino Bill could mark a major shift in Kenya’s justice and labour systems, offering reformed ex-offenders a second chance to join the formal job market, contribute to the economy, and reduce recidivism rates.