Kericho: A paralegal in Kericho County has called for expanded training and deployment of paralegals to enhance access to justice and safeguard the rights of community members, particularly vulnerable and marginalised groups. The appeal highlights the critical role paralegals play in bridging the gap between communities and the justice system, especially in rural areas where legal awareness and access to formal legal services remain limited.
According to Kenya News Agency, Mr Joel Kibet arap Soi, a paralegal overseeing Soin/Sigowet and Belgut sub-counties, emphasized the urgent need to educate community members on Kenyan laws governing children's and family rights. Speaking in an interview at his office in Tabaita village, Mr Soi expressed concern over the continued reliance on informal courts, which often deny victims justice and undermine the rule of law.
Mr Soi urged citizens to seek justice through established legal and arbitration channels, especially in cases involving serious human rights violations. He highlighted issues such as the lack of prioritization of education for girls, leading to early marriages, and the failure to treat defilement as a criminal offense, despite clear legal provisions under Kenyan law.
Last year, Mr Soi's office dealt with several defilement cases where families attempted to resolve matters informally. These cases are now pending in court, with pro bono legal representation for the victims. In the current month, his office is handling three cases involving girls rescued from early marriages, underscoring the high prevalence of such practices in Tabaita village due to limited awareness of girls' rights.
Mr Soi also raised concerns about misconceptions regarding inheritance rights, noting that many believe female children are not entitled to inherit property. He emphasized the need for sustained community sensitization on child protection laws, the rights of the girl child, and family law, including inheritance rights.
As a member of the Paralegal Society of Kenya, Mr Soi called on the national government to employ and train more paralegals, citing limited staffing and vast coverage areas as hindrances to effective legal education and service delivery. He pointed out the stark imbalance in the distribution of paralegal services across Kericho County.
Additionally, Mr Soi expressed concern over the lack of safe houses for survivors of defilement and early marriages in Kericho County. He stressed the importance of establishing such facilities to provide essential services and enable survivors to continue their education. Without safe houses, many survivors remain exposed and denied the opportunity to heal and pursue justice.
Paralegals in Kenya play a vital role in promoting access to justice by offering legal awareness, basic legal advice, and support to vulnerable groups. They are instrumental in community education, dispute resolution, and grassroots advocacy for human rights and the rule of law.