On the 11th of September, the Criminal Justice Unit of the Strathmore Law Clinic organised a  Symposium as part of the Clinic’s 10-year commemoration. The event brought together students and lecturers from different university law clinics, as well as legal professionals, to discuss Kenya’s criminal justice system, the progress that has been made, the challenges that remain, and what more can be done. The panel comprised Honourable Sarah K. Manyura, Dr. Evelyn Owiye Asaala,  Hamisi Mzari, Head of Justice Defenders, and Director Michael Matekwa. 

As guests arrived and took their seats, they were given a criminal justice-themed crossword puzzle to work on as the room filled. The programme officially began with an opening prayer and brief introductory remarks, followed by a Mentimeter quiz which tested the audience’s knowledge of developments in the law relating to criminal justice. 

The panel discussion then took centre stage. The panelists acknowledged the progress made in  Kenya’s criminal justice system while also pointing out areas that still require attention. The conversation touched on prison conditions, access to justice, the understanding of legal rights, and the need for future lawyers to have a better understanding of the realities of the criminal justice system. Hamisi Mzari, Head of Justice Defenders and a lawyer who had experienced incarceration,  reflected on the changes he had observed in prison conditions. He highlighted improvements in the treatment of prisoners, sanitation, food, water, bedding, uniforms,s and other basic amenities.  He also spoke about the poor hygiene and sanitation that had contributed to the spread of communicable diseases in prisons in earlier periods, noting that these conditions have improved over time. 

The conversation then turned to the rights of accused persons and whether they fully understand the legal processes they are going through. Honourable Sarah K. Manyura emphasised the importance of ensuring that accused persons understand the charges against them, their rights,  how to plead, the court process, and their rights to bail and other forms of release. She further stressed that this information should be explained in a language the accused person understands,  whether Kiswahili, English, a native language, or Sheng, rather than relying on legal terminology. 

The panel also considered the role of legal education in improving the criminal justice system. Mr.  Mzari suggested that law students should have greater exposure to prisons and the remand and rehabilitation system as part of their practical training, alongside law firm attachments. He explained that such exposure would help future lawyers understand the practical consequences of decisions made in court. For instance, an adjournment because a witness is unavailable may appear to be a routine part of court proceedings. For an accused person on remand, however, it could mean spending several more months in custody before the case is concluded. Exposure to these realities, he argued, could give future lawyers a better understanding of the people affected by the decisions they make. 

The panel discussion was followed by the CJ@10 video, which marked the Strathmore Law  Clinic’s ten-year journey. It highlighted the Clinic’s work over the years, including prison visits,  assisting inmates, and the experiences that have shaped clinicians’ understanding of the justice system. The afternoon then moved into a celebration of the Clinic’s achievements. Gifts were presented to the panelists, while the Research Wing recognised the top three writers in its writing competition. The event concluded with entertainment from the band, followed by refreshments. 

The symposium brought together different perspectives on Kenya’s criminal justice system and provided an opportunity to reflect on both the progress made and the work that remains. It also marked ten years of legal education, advocacy and service by the Strathmore Law Clinic.

Written by: Eden Adeyemi