The 4th Devolution Sensitization Week in Garissa County marked a major milestone in bringing governance, legal awareness, and constitutional rights directly to local communities. Central to the week’s events was a Legal Aid Clinic supported by the Council of Governors and key stakeholders, which served as a dedicated platform to address the complex legal needs of Persons with Disabilities (PWDs). By deploying qualified legal experts to engage directly with participants, the clinic provided essential guidance to individuals who frequently face structural and systemic barriers when seeking justice.
Advancing Legal Knowledge and PWD Rights
A primary focus of the clinic was educating participants on the newly enacted Persons with Disabilities Act 2025, alongside the regulatory frameworks currently being developed to fully operationalize its various sections. Legal practitioners equipped attendees with actionable knowledge across critical domains, including land ownership rights, succession and inheritance laws, and the registration of persons to access official support systems. Additionally, participants were introduced to Alternative Justice Systems (AJS), highlighting how community-based dispute resolution mechanisms can offer swift, accessible, and culturally aligned legal redress outside traditional courtroom settings.
High-Level Advocacy and Strategic Calls to Action
Extending its influence beyond grassroots legal aid, the Council engaged key county executives present at the event, including the Governors of Garissa, Baringo, Mombasa, and Lamu Counties, alongside several Deputy Governors. Addressing this legislative assembly, the Council delivered a firm call to action, urging all county leadership to actively embed disability inclusion into their administrative agendas. The address emphasized the urgent need for local governments to adopt comprehensive disability-inclusive policies, expand meaningful public participation for PWDs, and enact localized laws and enforcement frameworks to safeguard their rights across all counties.
