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.
Speaking in an interview with KNA at his office in Tabaita village within Soin/Sigowet Sub-County, Mr Joel Kibet arap Soi, a paralegal overseeing Soin/Sigowet and Belgut sub-counties, said there was an urgent need to educate community members on Kenyan laws governing children’s and family rights.
Mr Soi noted that many disputes are still resolved through informal or so-called kangaroo courts, a practice that often denies victims justice and undermines the rule of law.
He urged citizens to seek justice through established legal and arbitration channels, particularly in cases involving serious violations of human rights.
“During my engagements with communities in Soin/Sigowet Sub-County, I have observed with concern that a section of the population does not prioritise education for girls. As a result, many girls are forced into early marriages once they come of age,” said Mr Soi.
He added that cases of defilement are rarely treated as criminal offences within some communities, despite clear legal provisions under Kenyan law. “This is particularly troubling given that the law is explicit on sexual offences involving minors,” he said.
The paralegal disclosed that last year, his office received several defilement cases from Soin/Sigowet Sub-County in which families attempted to resolve the matters through informal mechanisms. The cases are now pending before court, with pro bono lawyers providing legal representation to the victims.
He further revealed that in the current month alone, his office is handling three cases involving girls rescued from early marriages. According to Mr Soi, Tabaita village continues to record a high prevalence of early marriage and defilement, largely due to limited awareness of the rights of the girl child.
“On average, four to five defilement cases from this village are reported to my office every month. Deep-seated cultural attitudes persist, where girls are viewed as undeserving of education and are instead expected to be married off upon reaching puberty,” he explained.
Mr Soi also raised concern over widespread misconceptions regarding inheritance rights, noting that many community members believe female children are not entitled to inherit their deceased parents’ property.
“Under the Law of Succession Act, all children, regardless of gender, religion, birth status or order, have equal rights to inherit from their parents. Lack of awareness of these legal provisions exposes girls to abuse, exclusion and systematic discrimination,” he said.
He emphasised the need for sustained community sensitisation 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 (PSK), Mr Soi called on the national government to employ and train more paralegals, arguing that limited staffing and vast coverage areas hinder effective legal education and service delivery.
“There is a stark imbalance in the distribution of paralegal services across Kericho County, which has only nine paralegals serving six sub-counties. Ainamoi Sub-County has five paralegals, while Soin/Sigowet and Belgut are covered by a single officer. Londiani, Bureti and Kipkelion sub-counties each have only one paralegal,” he said.
He added that the disparity limits outreach efforts, particularly among elderly populations who often lack awareness of children’s rights, family law and inheritance provisions.
The paralegal also expressed concern over the lack of safe houses for survivors of defilement and early marriages in Kericho County, warning that the gap exposes victims to further harm and exploitation.
“There is a need to establish safe houses for survivors of defilement and early marriages. These facilities serve as entry points for essential services, including medical care, trauma counselling, legal aid and police follow-up, while enabling survivors to continue with their education,” he said.
Mr Soi noted that without safe houses, many survivors remain exposed, silenced 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 help community members understand their rights, guide survivors of rights violations and link them to courts, police, lawyers and social services.
Paralegals are also instrumental in community education, dispute resolution and grassroots advocacy for human rights and the rule of law.
By Sarah Njagi
