Procedural Safeguards and Victim Satisfaction in Restorative Justice Practices in the Western Region, Kenya

Abstract

This study examined the relationship between procedural safeguards and victim satisfaction among adult victims who participated in community-based restorative processes in Kakamega, Bungoma, Busia, and Vihiga counties. Although victim satisfaction with restorative justice varies, limited empirical evidence exists on how procedural safeguards influence satisfaction in Kenya’s Western Region. Thibaut and Walker's Procedural Justice Theory guided a convergent parallel mixed-methods design involving a correlational survey, semi-structured interviews, and focus group discussions. The target population comprised 18,284 adult victims of non-capital and non-sexual offences recorded by National Government Administration Officer offices between January 2022 and December 2024. A proportionately allocated sample of 400 victims was selected, of whom 349 returned usable questionnaires; 24 National Government Administration Officers were interviewed, and 32 village elders participated in four focus group discussions. Data analysis involved descriptive statistical techniques, Pearson correlation, simple linear regression, a supplementary multiple-regression model, and thematic interpretation. Quantitatively, procedural safeguards were strongly and positively related to victim satisfaction (r = .660, p < .001) and explained 43.6 per cent of the variance, F(1, 347) = 267.726, p < .001. Qualitatively, participants indicated that impartial facilitation, clear information, confidentiality, and flexibility in meeting arrangements promoted trust and readiness, while elder evidence qualified impartiality as context-sensitive fairness. The study concluded that procedural safeguards were central to how victims evaluated restorative justice. It recommends clearer minimum practice standards for informed participation, confidentiality, impartial facilitation, preparation, and victim support. The findings provide localised evidence for strengthening victim-centred restorative justice practice in Western Kenya.