February 2025
CMR-Africa, in collaboration with the International Development Law Organization (IDLO), National Legal Aid Services (NLAS), and Moi University School of Law, successfully conducted a comprehensive three-day Legal Aid Training and Mentorship Program from 5th to 7th February 2025, at Moi University School of Law, Annex Campus.
Strengthening Access to Justice Through Education
The training program aimed to equip law students with essential knowledge and competencies to provide effective legal aid services, helping vulnerable clients navigate the judicial system. The initiative aligns with our organizational mission to promote access to justice and develop competent legal professionals across Africa.
The opening ceremony featured distinguished speakers including:
- Dr. Joseph Wamwara, Dean of Moi University School of Law
- Dr. Vincent Mutai, Board Member of NLAS and Moi University staff representative
- Mr. Tali Israel Tali from CMR-Africa
- Ms. Teresa Mugadza, Kenya Country Manager for IDLO
- Honorable Justice Reuben Nyakundi, Presiding Judge of the High Court in Eldoret
All speakers emphasized the critical importance of mentorship and legal aid services in accordance with Kenya’s Legal Aid Act and the Legal Aid General Regulations.
Comprehensive Training Curriculum
The three-day program featured a well-structured curriculum covering essential aspects of legal aid practice:
Day 1: Legal Frameworks and Standards
Participants were introduced to the history of state-funded legal aid in Kenya and the legal frameworks governing legal aid services. The sessions highlighted constitutional provisions (Articles 19, 48, and 50) and the Legal Aid Act of 2016, along with the Legal Aid General Regulations of 2020.
Day 2: Practical Applications and Mentorship
Mr. Tali Israel Tali from CMR-Africa led a session on recurrent and emerging areas in legal aid practice, focusing on:
- Criminal law and practice
- Succession matters
- Land disputes
- Children’s rights
- Constitutional and human rights under public interest litigation
- Environmental and climate justice litigation
This was followed by experience sharing from practicing pro bono lawyers, including Elfie Achieng, Tali Israel Tali, and Elias Oguma. The day concluded with Dr. Wamwara’s presentation on the importance of mentor-mentee relationships in legal aid training.
Day 3: Group Presentations and Practical Applications
The final day featured group presentations on succession, land matters, criminal matters, and children’s issues. Students demonstrated their understanding of the concepts learned throughout the program and participated in a post-training assessment to measure their growth.
Building Sustainable Impact
As part of CMR-Africa’s commitment to sustainable legal development, participants were tasked with developing legal aid projects and implementation plans. Students will continue to receive guidance from mentors as they put their knowledge into practice.
Upon completion of the training, participants received certificates acknowledging their readiness to provide effective legal assistance to those in need.
Looking Forward
This collaboration between CMR-Africa, IDLO, NLAS, and Moi University School of Law represents a significant step toward strengthening Kenya’s legal aid system and empowering the next generation of legal professionals.
CMR-Africa remains committed to supporting similar initiatives across the continent, ensuring that legal services are accessible to all, particularly vulnerable and marginalized communities.
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