Strathmore Law Clinic conducted a week-long training session at Langata Women’s Prison. The trainees are paralegal under the training programme conducted by the Africa Prisons’ Project. The Clinic was greatly assisted and accompanied by two Strathmore lecturers, Ms. Emma Senge and Mr. Allan Mukuki.

The main objective of the training session was to inform the inmates on criminal procedures, considering fairness and equity as fundamental principles to the right of a fair trial. The areas of bail, bond, pleas, trial processes and rules of evidence were dealt with in great detail. Members of the Law clinic took their time to carefully give an in-depth analysis of these topics to the inmates enhancing their knowledge.

A guest lecturer also took part in the clinic led by the Legal Christian Fellowship in Kenya, in conjunction with an attorney from U.S.A. Both parties and the Law Clinic members shed light on the hearsay and character evidence.

The trainees were informed of the theoretical and practical aspects of criminal procedures. They were made aware of the realities of the application of the law and the situation on the ground. Several individuals lack access to legal information and so are devoid of the right to a fair trial.

A trial simulation was conducted on the last day, where trainees and members of the Law Clinic acted out a trial simulation. There were prosecution and defence parties in the simulation who carried out an impressive job at representing their interests and clients. Thereafter, a conviction was read out by the honorable judge, Jane, ruled in favour of the State.