Blog
This Is Why We Give: A Mother’s Return from Prison
Jocyline is a single mother of two who also cares for her niece, nephew, father, and her sister Sherly, who is a person living with disability. Her salary of about KSh 12,000 from a hotel job in Nyambare had to stretch across seven people, yet she always tried to provide. Her life changed abruptly when she was accused of stealing items worth KSh 25,000 from her roommate and friend, Euna. On that day, Jocyline had simply taken a nap in their shared room when the goods disappeared. With no witness or CCTV footage to support her innocence, her word was not enough. She was shocked that her friend would suspect her. “Aki, siwezi amini. Rafiki yangu alinifikisha hapa,” ("Translation: Sigh, I can't believe my friend has brought me here") she told our Justice Nest Social Worker. “Only God knows I didn’t do it, but she still took me to Lang’ata. I felt so betrayed.”
Her cash bail was set at KSh 20,000 and bond at KSh 50,000, amounts far beyond what she or her family could afford. With no way to raise the money, she spent months detained at Lang’ata Women’s Prison. It was during this time that she was referred to Justice Nest. After assessing her situation, we enrolled her into the Children and Mothers Diversion and Restorative Justice Program (Mending the Nest) and immediately sought a reduction of her cash bail. Several applications later, the court granted a reduced amount that her family was finally able to pay, allowing her to go home. When she was released, Jocyline expressed her relief and gratitude, saying she could finally see her children and breathe again after months of emotional strain.
We also supported Euna, the complainant, by explaining the benefits of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR). Through mediation with our legal advocate and social worker, the two reached an agreement that the reduced cash bail would be refunded to Euna and that Jocyline would work towards repaying the remaining balance. Understanding the hardship Jocyline had endured, Euna even offered to refer her to potential employers in the hospitality sector. The court later set a mention date for withdrawal of the case once the terms of the agreement were completed.
Today, Jocyline is reunited with her children and is living with her sister Sherly as she searches for work around Limuru. She hopes to find a job closer to home so she can continue caring for her family. Her journey shows how deeply poverty and injustice are intertwined, and how a single accusation can uproot an entire family. It also shows what becomes possible when a woman receives support, dignity, and a fair chance.
This is why Justice Nest continues to stand with women like Jocyline, and why this #GivingTuesday (December 2, 2025), we are inviting others to join the movement of generosity that restores hope and redirects lives.
Leave a comment