Latest News

Global Hand Washing Day

Today, 15 October, marks Global Hand Washing Day. It will be a particularly special day in the lives of the prisoners and prison officers, including their families, living in Nakifuma Prison Community. For them, hand washing was considered a luxury before the inception of the “Water for Improved Health and Hygiene” project in July, 2016.

Celebrating education in prison

As the start of a new academic year steps into full swing, once again we’re ready to kick off our legal education programme which we run in partnership with the University of London (UoL) , with many students moving up in their studies along with a new cohort of students joining the programme.

Kenyan court finds mandatory death sentence unconstitutional

The High Court in Kenya has ruled that the mandatory death sentence in relation to capital offence is unconstitutional.A petition was filed by APP law student, Wilson Kinyua, and 11 other death row prisoners serving their sentences at Kamiti Maximum Security Prison, challenging conflicting sentences given to similar offences resulting in a breach of their right to be treated equally.

"In my 15 years of service, I have not heard or seen about anything like this"

"In my 15 years of service in the health sector, I have not seen or heard about anything like this. Because of APP, we are here today, in the same room with the Resident Judge for the Lango Sub Region, the Prisons Administration, the Police, Health and Local Government officials, all in one room. A multi sectoral approach is key to success..."

Justice from an unlikely place

I saw two boys standing at the main entrance of Kamiti prison as I approached the security check-out point. I’d just concluded a routine visit to some of the law students (both staff members and prisoners) that my organisation supports.As I approached the checkpoint, they broke into wide smiles. I quickly realised these smiles were not directed at me, but at Peter Ouko – the inmate walking me to the checkpoint. It was an open-day for prisoners’ families, so I assumed the smiley boys were Peter’s relatives...

Celebrating International Women's Day: Accelerating progress towards access to justice for women

Clients released during Kenya Judiciary's review of sentences

We train paralegals and lawyers within defenceless communities to provide legal services for themselves and others. In the midst of the current crisis, our justice defenders are able to continue their work amongst our communities contributing to the review process of the Kenya Judiciary to ensure equal justice for all.

Paralegals in Kenya and Uganda receive training on bail and appeal procedures from legal experts

Magistrates and legal experts from across the judiciary have come together to share their practical knowledge. Ensuring trainees are immersed into the legal world, even from behind prison bars.

Law books fuel the defence

Inmates at Luzira Prison share how access to quality reading material has helped them prepare their defence for court.

Jane's story: From death row, to paralegal officer

As one of our trained paralegals in Langata Women's Prison in Kenya, Jane is enabling fellow incarcerated women to access essential legal services. Fostering hope for a more just world.

Annet spent 14 years dealing with the consequences of her husband's death sentence

“My husband committed a crime, so he had to pay for it. Though it put me in a difficult situation.”

Sarah spent more time in prison before her trial, than if she was sentenced

“Being in prison: days are like months and months are like years.”

Betty is close to completing her law degree from within prison

"Using the knowledge I have acquired from Justice Defenders, I managed to convince the judge in my appeal process, overturning my death sentence."

Release: Joseph Karanja, pioneer and free man

Joseph Karanja has spent 20 years in prison. He was arrested in 2000 and sentenced to death at his trial in 2001. However, in 2009 he was one of 4,000 prisoners whose death sentences were commuted to life imprisonment by Kenyan President Mwai Kibaki.

Gilbert Niwamanya

Gilbert, aged 36, is the Welfare and Rehabilitation Officer at Luzira Maximum Security Prison, Kampala, where he’s worked for the past 5 years.

George Karaba

George has spent almost 20 years behind bars. Arrested in 2002, he was sentenced to death in 2006. This was commuted to a life sentence in 2009. In 2018 he graduated from the University of London with a Bachelor of Law degee [LLB], with support from our Justice Changemaker programme.