MANYANI
About Manyani Prison Justice Center
Manyani Prison Justice Centre was launched on Friday 2nd July 2021 after a one-week training for 35 paralegals from 27th to 2nd of July 2021 at the Manyani prison premises. The training that targeted 30 mid and long serving inmates and 5 prison wardens majorly focused on Criminal Law. Among the topics that the paralegals were capacity built on included: Paralegalism, Introduction to Law, Introduction to Criminal Procedure, the Trial Process, Rules of Evidence Pre & Post Sentencing Proceedings, Drafting and the Appellate Jurisdiction.
The training culminated in a graduation ceremony for the 35 paralegals and during which they were issued certificates and identification badges. The ceremony also doubled as the official launch of the Manyani Prison Justice Centre and which was built and furnished by KITUO through the support of the Netherlands Embassy in Kenya.
The trained inmates and warders have been able to offer free legal aid services to other inmates and more than 5,000 inmates have since been released. The benefits accruing from the establishment and training of prison justice centres extend beyond individual cases to include general communal and societal benefits such asspeedy processing of cases; fair and impartial trials; and the reduction of prison populations while ensuring that justice is fair and accessible.
The trained inmates and warders have been able to offer free legal aid services to other inmates and more than 5,000 inmates have since been released. The benefits accruing from the establishment and training of prison justice centres extend beyond individual cases to include general communal and societal benefits such asspeedy processing of cases; fair and impartial trials; and the reduction of prison populations while ensuring that justice is fair and accessible.
Brief background of the Organization
Vihiga Community Justice Centre also known as Ebusiratsi Welfare and Development Association (EWADA) is a Community based organization located in Vihiga County. The organization brings together committed individuals from various civil society organizations, with various skills and experiences from diverse backgrounds.
It was registered as a Community Based Organization under section 10 of the societies act at the registrar of societies attorney general’s office on 8th July 2009.
The organization was formed as a result of the need to have well-informed and organized citizens and for equipping citizens with skills to effectively participate and engage in Human rights issues, governance and access to justice.
The organization has participated in many key activities and has been a key factor in promoting civic knowledge and enhancing good governance. It has a secretariat that runs the day-to-day activities and reports to the Management Board. The organization has established has extensive networks Vihiga county.