•Move to Establish a Victims Protection Fund
The Kenyan government is taking significant steps to amend the Victims Protection Act (2014) and Public Finance Management Regulations to establish a Victims Protection Fund, aimed at strengthening support for crime victims.
The move follows concerns that the existing legal framework lacks the necessary mechanisms to ensure effective protection, reparation, and compensation for victims, particularly vulnerable groups.
The National Gender and Equality Commission (NGEC) has initiated public consultations to gather views on the proposed amendments.
Speaking at a public forum in Kakamega, Desire Njamwea, the Assistant Director for Legal, Complaints, Investigations, and Redress at NGEC, emphasized the need for these reforms.
She pointed out that the Victims Protection Act (2014), intended to balance the rights of accused persons and victims, has legal shortcomings that hinder justice.
“The current law does not provide a solid legal framework for the Victim Protection Board (VPB) to function effectively, making it difficult to deliver justice to victims,” said Njamwea, who also represents the Gender Commission on the board.
During the forum, Ednah Susan, a representative for People with Disabilities (PWDs) from Matungu, underscored the need for greater inclusivity in victim protection efforts.
She urged the government to ensure PWDs are represented on the Victim Protection Board, highlighting their vulnerability to abuse.
The proposed Victims Protection Fund is expected to provide financial support for victims in need, ensuring they receive compensation, rehabilitation, and legal aid.
This amendment aligns with the government’s commitment to strengthening victim-centered justice and ensuring adequate institutional capacity for victim protection services.
Legal Education Sector Reforms to Strengthen the Justice System
In a parallel effort to improve Kenya’s legal landscape, Attorney General (AG) Dorcas Oduor has pledged comprehensive reforms in the country’s legal education sector.
The reforms aim to ensure the justice system is served by ethical and competent legal professionals, addressing long-standing concerns about the structure and effectiveness of legal education in Kenya.
The reforms follow the release of a Report by the Committee on Legal Education Sector Reforms, which was tasked with evaluating challenges in the legal education system and recommending necessary improvements.
Speaking at her office in Nairobi during the presentation of the report, AG Oduor stressed the government’s commitment to enhancing the quality of legal education.
“These recommendations aim to strengthen legal education, promote inclusivity, and create a transparent and efficient training system for legal professionals in Kenya,” she stated.
The report provides a roadmap for addressing critical issues in the sector through policy and legislative reforms, ensuring Kenya’s legal education system meets both national and international standards.
The AG commended the committee’s extensive research and stakeholder consultations, affirming that the proposed reforms will improve institutional capacity and the overall quality of legal training.
She urged legal educators, students, and professional bodies to engage actively in the reform process, reinforcing Kenya’s ambition to become a regional leader in legal excellence.
Path Forward
The twin legal reform initiatives—enhancing victim protection and overhauling legal education—signal a broader governmental effort to strengthen Kenya’s justice system.
While the Victims Protection Fund aims to provide direct support to those affected by crime, legal education reforms seek to ensure a steady pipeline of highly trained legal professionals committed to justice and ethical service.
The success of these reforms will depend on public participation, stakeholder engagement, and effective legislative action.
As consultations continue, Kenyans are encouraged to contribute their views on these critical changes, shaping the future of justice and legal education in the country.
Share This Post