Kituo Cha Sheria, with support from the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and co-funding from the European Union (EU), convened a national stakeholder forum on 4th and 5th December 2025 to validate and officially launch county-specific reports assessing the implementation of the Community Land Act, 2016 and the Climate Change Act, 2016 in Kenya.

The two-day forum marked the culmination of targeted data collection conducted across Samburu, Kwale, Kisumu, and Nairobi counties. The assessment was undertaken in response to persistent challenges in land and natural resource governance that continue to undermine food security, climate resilience, and sustainable livelihoods, particularly among communities dependent on communal and customary land tenure systems.

Bringing together community representatives, county and national government officials, civil society organizations, and technical experts, the validation forum provided a platform to interrogate findings, build consensus, and strengthen the evidence base for policy advocacy. Participants reviewed county-level data documenting progress, gaps, and lived experiences related to land tenure security, community land registration, climate action planning, and institutional coordination. 

Discussions reaffirmed that despite Kenya’s progressive legal framework anchored in the Constitution of Kenya, 2010. The implementation of the Community Land Act and the Climate Change Act remains slow and uneven at the county level. Key challenges highlighted included limited public awareness of community land rights, delayed registration processes, weak coordination between land and climate governance institutions, and inadequate technical and financial capacity within counties.

The forum further noted that while the Climate Change Act provides a strong foundation for climate action, insufficient integration with land governance processes has resulted in fragmented interventions that negatively affect food production systems and community resilience. Participants emphasized the need for harmonized planning that recognizes land tenure security as a critical pillar for effective climate adaptation and food security.

As part of the secretariat of the National Land Sector Non-State Actors (LSNSA) Network, Kituo Cha Sheria leveraged this network to ensure inclusive participation and credible validation of the findings. The validated reports covering Kisumu, Kwale, and Samburu counties were officially launched during the forum and endorsed as advocacy tools to guide both county and national engagement.

The county reports generate context-specific evidence on the status of implementation of the two Acts, identify institutional and regulatory gaps, and propose actionable recommendations. They are expected to inform county policy reforms, strengthen collaboration between state and non-state actors, and support ongoing advocacy for inclusive land governance systems that advance food security and climate resilience.

Speaking during the launch, stakeholders from Pastoralist Resilience Development Initiative, the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights, Nyando Community Justice Centre, NAMATI, Haki na Sheria, RECONCILE, Drylands Learning and Capacity Building Initiative (DLCI), the National Land Commission, LECC Baraza, LANDESA, and Habitat for Humanity, among others, called on county governments, national institutions, and development partners to prioritize resourcing, capacity building, and community participation to translate the law into tangible benefits for marginalized communities.

The validated reports will feed into a national memorandum to be presented to relevant state institutions.

READ THE FULL REPORT

Kituo cha Sheria filed a constitutional petition challenging the suspension of medical services for persons in lawful custody at Mbagathi Hospital. The suspension risked denying inmates access to essential healthcare, contrary to Article 43 (right to health) and Article 51 (rights of persons in custody) of the Constitution of Kenya. The petition followed Mbagathi Hospital’s decision to suspend treatment for inmates due to an unpaid debt of over KSh 12 million owed by the State Department for Correctional Services.

On 8th September 2025, the High Court at Milimani, presided over by Justice Bahati Mwamuye MBS, issued a conservatory order compelling Mbagathi Hospital to immediately resume admitting and treating inmates referred to it, whether for emergency or non-emergency cases.

The Court also directed the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights and the State Department for Correctional Services to make a substantial payment of not less than KES 10 million within 14 days to settle part of the outstanding debt owed to Mbagathi Hospital.

Justice Mwamuye emphasized that persons in custody retain their fundamental rights and freedoms under the Bill of Rights, except where limitations are compatible with incarceration. He further noted that denial of medical care amounts to cruel, inhuman, and degrading treatment.

Through this petition, Kituo cha Sheria reaffirms its commitment to defending constitutional rights and ensuring dignity and justice for vulnerable groups.

By; Rony Alal

Today, at the Kituo Cha Sheria Grounds, parents and survivors of the 2015 Garissa University terrorist attack gathered for a solemn memorial and prayer service. The event, organized by Kituo Cha Sheria, aimed to honor the memory and justice of the 147 innocent lives lost and reflect on the progress made in the fight against terrorism in Kenya.

Marking a decade since the tragic assault that also left 79 people injured, the ceremony served as both a remembrance and a testament to the resilience of those affected. Attendees, many still carrying emotional and physical scars, lit candles, shared testimonies, and offered prayers in tribute to their loved ones.

This year’s commemoration held particular significance following a landmark legal ruling in favor of the victims and their families. Petition No. 104 of 2019, the lead case in the pursuit of justice for the attack, saw a three-judge bench—Justices A.K. Ndung’u, M. Thande, and D. Kemei—deliver a historic verdict on July 31, 2024. The court held the respondents jointly and severally liable, a milestone in the push for accountability and justice.

Speaking at the event, Lead Councel Dr. John Khaminwa, underscored the importance of the ruling, noting that it set a precedent for future cases on state accountability in matters of national security. He urged the government to conduct a thorough investigation into the attack and uncover the truth to prevent a similar tragedy in the future. He also proposed the construction of a monument at Garissa University bearing the names of all victims to honor and remember them. Additionally, he suggested the declaration of an Anti-Terrorism Day as a public holiday to serve as a reminder that young lives should not be lost in such a manner.

The Kituo team, led by Executive Director Dr.Wambua Kituku  and Councel John Mwariri, reaffirmed their commitment to seeking justice for the vulnerable. Dr. Kituku emphasized the importance of trusting the legal system to deliver justice and called on the government to enact policies that protect and support victims. Mr. Mwariri assured those affected that while compensation had taken time, Kituo would continue to follow up until justice is served.

Board member Mr. Mosongo Maosa reminded legal professionals of their duty to prioritize service over financial gain and urged for enhanced counseling and civic education to empower communities.

Survivors and families expressed gratitude to Kituo for its legal support and urged the government to expedite compensation payments.

As the service concluded, a unified message emerged: while the pain of loss remains, the fight for justice and a safer Kenya continues. The families of Garissa University attack victims have not only kept the memories of their loved ones alive but have also contributed to a broader conversation on security, justice, and national unity.

Story by Rony Alal

We are thrilled to unveil the findings of our three-year research study, Evaluating the Impact of Legal Empowerment Programmes on Access to Justice for the Poor and Marginalized in Kenya.

The launch event was graced by Chief Justice Emeritus David Maraga, who commended Kituo cha Sheria for its steadfast commitment to advancing legal empowerment. In his keynote address, Justice Maraga emphasized,

“The research report is more than just a publication; it is a powerful testament to the resilience of countless individuals who struggle daily to access justice. It reflects the tireless work of legal empowerment practitioners dedicated to bridging the justice gap and ensuring that no one is left behind. More importantly, it is a call to action for all who believe that justice should not be a privilege for the few, but a right accessible to all.” Chief Justice Emeritus David Maraga

He further underscored the urgent need to strengthen legal and policy frameworks, stressing that full implementation of the Legal Aid Act and formal recognition of community-based justice mechanisms are critical to making justice accessible for all.

Speaking at the event, Mr. John Mwariri, Acting Executive Director of Kituo cha Sheria, expressed optimism about the future of legal empowerment:

“We are hopeful that the findings of this study will help shape sustainable and effective legal empowerment strategies to break systemic barriers and build a more inclusive, just society in Kenya and beyond.” Mr. John Mwariri, Ag Executive Director of Kituo cha Sheria

The study highlights the effectiveness of legal empowerment programs in increasing access to justice, particularly among marginalized communities. It outlines the critical role of paralegals as first responders who bridge the gap between communities and formal justice institutions. Furthermore, mechanisms such as Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) and community justice centers have proven invaluable in resolving disputes, especially in rural and underserved areas.

Mr. Justus Munyithya, Chair of the Board of Directors at Kituo cha Sheria, also noted during his remarks,

“The research highlights how participatory action can enhance access to justice through community-driven solutions, showcasing innovative advocacy by empowered communities.” Mr. Justus Munyithya

The report also showcases the transformative impact of Kituo cha Sheria’s legal aid programs—not only in empowering individuals and strengthening the rule of law but also in advancing public interest litigation (PIL) to hold institutions and authorities accountable.

This groundbreaking study was commissioned by Kituo cha Sheria in partnership with the African Centre of Excellence for Access to Justice and the Grassroots Justice Network, with generous support from the International Development Research Centre (IDRC / CRDI).

Written By: Rony Alal

On December 10, 2024, the Kenya School of Law in Karen, Nairobi, hosted the much-anticipated launch of the inaugural edition of the Legal Empowerment Journal (LEJ), themed “Legal Empowerment: Linking Theory to Practice.” This landmark publication brings together diverse perspectives from authors worldwide, showcasing innovative strategies for advancing legal empowerment.

Supported by the International Development Research Centre (IDRC), the event attracted legal practitioners, scholars, and policymakers, offering a platform to reflect on the critical role of legal empowerment in bridging the gap between theoretical frameworks and practical solutions.

The keynote address, delivered by Professor Kivutha Kibwana, highlighted the transformative potential of community-driven legal initiatives and set the tone for an inspiring evening of dialogue and collaboration. The journal amplifies the voices of authors dedicated to empowering marginalized communities, emphasizing the importance of inclusive and participatory legal systems.

The launch marked a significant milestone in fostering dialogue and partnerships among stakeholders committed to advancing access to justice and community empowerment.

The Study report, titled “A Comparative Study on Digitization of Justice following COVID-19 in Kenya and Rwanda,” was launched on December 5, 2024 in M-Hotel Kigali, Rwanda by Rwanda’s Legal Aid Forum (LAF) in collaboration with Kenya’s Kituo Cha Sheria. This was a culmination of a comparative qualitative research on Digitization of Justice during post COVID in Kenya and Rwanda supported by the International Development Research Centre(IDRC).

The objective of the launch was to bring all the stakeholders in the research process to showcase and celebrate the achievements made. This also provided a good forum for the dissemination of all the research outputs. Given that the attendants came from far and wide it was an opportunity to share the hard copies which would reach in places where the populations are not accustomed to soft copies.

The event was attended by representatives from government institutions, civil society organizations, lawyers, development partners, the solicitor general from Rwanda Judiciary, High court Judges from both countries, LAF Director, Chairman of Africa Center of Excellence (ACE) and Researchers from Kituo cha Sheria and LAF.

The event showcased the success of the three-year research project and the launch goes a long way in validating the findings. Other research outputs like the policy brief would be handy in adopting policies for the pertinent sector and players in the justice space. The ceremony was also an invitation to dialogue, collaboration, and collective action. By exchanging insights, strategies, and experiences, there is a reinforced mission to build inclusive, responsive, and resilient justice systems using technological advancements to empower, promote equity, and deliver justice for all.