Kenya Police Service approves dissemination of KELIN posters in police stations

On 23rd September 2016, KELIN received approval from the Kenya Police Service to disseminate three Information, Education and Communication (IEC) materials to all police stations within Nairobi County. The three IEC posters are targeted at sensitizing the police and the general public on two key issues.

  • The procedural steps to take to ensure justice for victims of sexual violence.
  • How police can maintain dignity when arresting women who have been charged on abortion related offences.

The posters address the contentious issue of unsafe abortions and how police should handle such cases. The posters further inform the police to ensure immediate medical attention for women who have procured unsafe abortions as this is considered a medical emergency.

The three IEC materials were developed by KELIN in consultation with Reproductive Health and Rights Alliance, Kenya Medical Association, Reproductive Health Network, Kenya Police Service, the Police Surgeon (Nairobi) and lawyers from the Legal Support Network. The IEC posters are the outcome of a series of trainings, conducted by KELIN for police officers from different counties, where a knowledge gap was identified.

The IEC materials

  1. Preserving dignity during the arrest of women with abortion offences
  2. Protecting Victims of Sexual Violence
  3. Laws on abortion in Kenya

The approval of the IEC materials speaks to the collaborative efforts and cordial working relations that KELIN has enjoyed with the Kenya Police Service within its area of work since 2014. We trust that they will be utilized to ensure that a human rights based approach is taken into account in dealing with matters relating to sexual and reproductive rights.

To contribute to the discussions on this forum, follow KELIN on our social media platforms:  Twitter: @KELINKenya or Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/kelinkenya

For more information contact:

Tabitha Saoyo – Programme Manager

Sexual and Reproductive Health Rights, KELIN

4th Floor, Somak Building, Mombasa Road

Tel +254202515790; Cell +254 790 339963;

Email: tsaoyo@kelinkenya.org