The Council of the Law Society of Kenya, through the Public Interest Litigation Committee, chaired by Mr. Mwaura Kabata, held the Legal Awareness Week 2023, under the theme: “Unlocking Justice: A Collective Effort To Decongest Prisons and Deliver Legal Aid” from Monday, 23rd to Friday, 27th October 2023. The Legal Awareness Week was launched on Monday 23rd October 2023 at the Milimani Law Courts with the Director of Public Prosecutions, Mr. Renson Ingonga gracing the occasion. In his speech, he stated that, the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) continues to contribute towards the national agenda by ensuring that the prosecutorial mandate is cognizant and responsive to ever changing societal dynamics. In addition, he stated that the ODPP has extensively participated in activities aimed at decongesting prisons which was done under the, All for Justice Case review banner. “I must say, that once again the ODPP has set the pace” noted Mr. Ingonga.
Other speakers at the launch included the LSK Council led by the President Mr. Eric Theuri, VP, Faith Odhiambo and other Council Members (Mr. Tom Kopere, Mr. Mwaura Kabata and Mr. Cohen Amanya) and the LSK CEO, Ms. Florence W. Muturi. Also present for the launch were representatives from the various project partner who included; UNDP, UNODC, Amkeni Wakenya, IMLU, FIDA, CRR (Center for Reproductive Rights), ODPP, LSK Nairobi Branch and Kenya Prisons who in unison rallied on members of the public to take advantage of the week to get free legal aid from advocates who were readily available to offer the same.
The remainder of the week saw advocates offer free legal aid at various court stations and prisons where legal advice was dispensed, cases reviewed and follow ups noted. The Prisons included Langata Womens’, Nairobi West, Industrial Area Nairobi Remand, Isiolo GK Prison amongst others There was also a free community legal aid and engagement forum held under the theme, Enhancement of Access to Justice for the poor and marginalized women in Nairobi County and Sexual Gender Based Violence at the Kamukunji Grounds in Kibera on Thursday 26th October 2023.
The Legal Awareness Week was held Countrywide across all the eight (8) Branches.
