About Us

In 2018, Elizabeth Njambi attended a data collection exercise at the Kamiti Youth Correctional and Training Centre. As she interacted with the children held there, she felt that they were just like her, except that she had been lucky enough to advance her education thanks to scholarships and Government subsidies. She realized that majority of them children came from economically disadvantaged backgrounds. They had little understanding of the charges levelled against them or the potential consequences. In Kenya, 80% of children in conflict with the law lack access to justice. Lack of legal representation effectively denies them their constitutional right to a fair trial.

Further, children in conflict with the law are denied their inherent right to education. Schools often turn children in with the law (“CICL”) away due to the negative perception that they are simply troublesome. However, many are in fact victims of exploitation, abuse and neglect. Protecting their right to education offers them the chance to rebuild their lives and reduce recidivism.

Wakili.sha Initiative (“Wakili.sha”), promotes access to justice and education for children in conflict with the law through offering free legal representation; mentorship, talent & skills development; public awareness & advocacy. Our of our main advocacy tools is the Wakili.sha Podcast, where we discuss all things child justice and deconstruct the negative narratives surrounding children in conflict with the law.