Embakasi East MP Babu Owino has tabled a proposal in Parliament to amend Kenya’s Criminal Procedure Code through the Babu Owino criminal records amendment. The goal is to make it easier for Kenyans with past criminal convictions to access employment opportunities and reintegrate into society.
Babu Owino says the current system unfairly punishes individuals long after they have served their sentences. Many job applicants are automatically disqualified due to criminal records, regardless of whether the offence was minor or committed years ago. This, he argues, traps people in a cycle of unemployment and poverty, increasing the risk of reoffending.
The Babu Owino criminal records amendment would require employers to first assess candidates on merit, only considering past convictions if the crime directly relates to the role. For instance, a conviction for theft could be relevant in banking roles, while unrelated offences should not be automatic disqualifiers.
Supporters, including civil society groups and human rights advocates, say the change would align Kenya with international best practices. Countries such as the UK, Canada, and several US states have implemented policies that limit the use of criminal records in hiring, leading to improved social reintegration and reduced crime rates.
Critics, however, insist that certain sensitive sectors — including childcare, law enforcement, and financial services — must maintain strict background checks to protect the public. They also call for a clear framework to guide employers on which crimes are relevant to which roles.
Parliament is expected to debate the proposal in the coming weeks. If passed, the amendment could give thousands of Kenyans a genuine second chance to rebuild their lives, contribute to the economy, and break free from the shadow of their past mistakes.
