In the heart of Nairobi’s informal settlements, a powerful transformation is taking place. For many, these areas have long been seen as a breeding ground for drug abuse and the revolving door of prison. But Re4mist—an initiative founded by former inmates—is proving that with the right tools, this cycle is not inevitable.
Under their program “Crime Kwetu Si Poa” (To Us, Crime is Not Good), these reformers are utilizing the 21 common-sense precepts of The Way to Happiness to restore dignity and hope to Kenya’s most vulnerable communities.
Building Safer Communities
The mission of Re4mist is personal: ensuring others do not follow the same path the founders once did. Through their "Building Safer Communities" outreach, they tackle the root causes of crime—including substance abuse and school dropouts—before they take hold.
By partnering with local organizations, Re4mist has brought The Way to Happiness seminars to youth in notorious slums like Mathare, Huruma, and Korogocho. The impact has been staggering:
- Targeting the Source: In schools where drug use once reached 80%, the application of Precept 2 ("Be Temperate") helped slash substance abuse rates to just 5%.
- Empowering Youth: By engaging teens in the 21 precepts, Re4mist is replacing gang recruitment with a sense of personal responsibility.
Re4mist’s most profound work occurs within the walls of Kenya's correctional facilities. Returning as mentors rather than inmates, the team spends days with prisoners and wardens alike, exploring the booklet’s principles.
The results are life-changing. One inmate reflected: “If I could have only observed this, I could not have ended up here.” This shift in perspective is more than emotional—it is practical. By instilling these values, the program has helped cut recidivism by 51%, allowing former offenders to return to society as productive, contributive citizens.
As a secular charitable initiative coordinated by the Association for Better Living and Education, The Way to Happiness provides the moral framework necessary for social stability. Through the tireless work of Re4mist, the “revolving door” is being replaced by a door to a new beginning—opening the way to a safer, more peaceful Kenya for all.
