The Strathmore Law Clinic, in partnership with the Forced Migration & Dispute Resolution Hub and the Strathmore Dispute Resolution Centre, expanded access to justice during the 2026 Legal Aid & Mediation Week by offering free legal aid, consultation, and mediation services to the Strathmore community and members of the public from 20 to 24 July 2026.

The Strathmore Law Clinic is a student-led legal initiative committed to promoting access to justice for all individuals. Access to justice is a fundamental right according to the 2010 Kenya Constitution. At a time when professional legal assistance remains out of reach for many vulnerable groups in Kenya, the Strathmore Law Clinic steps in as a catalyst for change by providing legal advice to those who cannot afford to consult relevant legal experts. The clinic operates through three main units: the Human Rights Unit, the Criminal Justice Unit, and the Entrepreneurship Unit. Each of these units addresses specific legal concerns, as well as provides pro bono legal services.

Students had an opportunity to gain relevant legal knowledge and guidance on everyday issues affecting their lives, such as employment rights and consumer protection.  TripleOK law firm, Pro Bono Institute of Kenya, Global Justice Group, HIAS, and Refugee Consortium of Kenya (RCK) also volunteered their services.

Each day of the legal mediation week covered different areas of law. The sessions began at 9:00 am and ran until 3:00 pm. The consultation services had four stations that covered Succession & Family Law, Property Law & Conveyancing, Employment & Labour Law as well as Commercial Law, and a General station that looked into miscellaneous matters. These stations served as a means for the attendees to bring in any questions or legal concerns that they have.

According to the Department of Refugee Services, as of 2026, Kenya currently hosts approximately 857,065 refugees. Given these numbers, it comes as no surprise that Thursday and Friday—Legal Aid & Mediation Week’s busiest days- were filled with clients seeking legal aid on refugee matters. Access to justice for refugees is a struggle. Most refugees in Kenya are concentrated in the Dadaab and Kakuma Refugee camps. Very few are in urban centers where legal aid is most accessible.

Friday was particularly insightful for the Strathmore Community. HIAS and the Global Justice Group tackled the growing issue of deceptive job offers, human trafficking, forced labour, and domestic servitude. Issues that concern many Kenyans seeking jobs abroad. A session was held exploring how to identify misleading job offers, knowing your rights, and making informed decisions before accepting job opportunities abroad.

Overall, the Legal Aid & Mediation Clinic honed in on the Law Clinic’s vision of ensuring access to justice for all, especially for those who need it most.

Written by:

Daniella Mwangi (Strathmore University Media Group) and Mike Edwin (Strathmore Law Clinic)

Edited by:

Anjali Bharadva (Strathmore University Media Group)