KELIN hosts a Medico-Legal Clinic in Homa Bay County benefiting 350 residents

On 24th November 2017, KELIN held a medico-legal clinic at the Rose Muhando grounds in Homa Bay County. This event is a component of KELIN’s ongoing interventions under the DREAMS project that target counties with notably high HIV prevalence rates as well as reported cases of sexual violence.

The clinic, which was a collaborative effort with various legal and medical stakeholders, offered a variety of services that benefitted over 350 residents. A number of Key partners supported this Clinic including: The County Government of Homa Bay; the Office of the First Lady, Homa Bay; the Judiciary; Ministry of Health; FIDA Kenya; Gender Violence Recovery Center; World Vision Kenya; Kenya Police Service; LAGNET Theatre group; Widow champions; Elders and importantly, Adolescent Girls and Young Women (AGYW) who have been previously trained by KELIN.

This Clinic provided free legal and medical services specifically: pro bono legal advise; family planning services; cancer screening, HIV Counseling and testing; laboratory services; nutrition and dietetics information; eye and dental examinations; and information on Pre Exposure Prophylaxis.

Homabay County First lady, Rosila Awitu opens the clinic with a keynote speech
Beyond Zero Mobile Clinic at the Medical Legal Clinic

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Some of the key legal issues and challenges identified by KELIN during the activity include: widow disinheritance, inaccessible court stations, limited knowledge on existing laws, inadequate number of lawyers as well high cases of intestacy which is mostly attributed to the fact that one will be anticipating their death, we hope to assist the residents resolve these issues.

The Judiciary is ready to support KELIN in embracing the alternative dispute resolution mechanisms; this will ensure continuous and peaceful coexistence within the communities”.  Lady Justice Hellen Omondi, Presiding Judge Homa Bay County”.

To contribute to the discussions on this forum follow KELIN on our social media platforms using the hash tag #Breakingthebarriers

Twitter: @KELINkenya

 

For more information contact:

Jessica Oluoch

Programme Officer Women, Land & Property Rights

Kenya Legal and Ethical Issues Network on HIV & AIDS (KELIN)

Aga Khan Road, Milimani Opp Jalaram Academy

P.O Box 7708-40100

Tel +254790 487 475

Email: jolouch@kelinkenya.org