For years, the high cost of legal services has prevented many residents of Changamwe in Mombasa from pursuing cases involving land disputes, gender-based violence and other rights violations, leaving some without access to justice.
Residents now hope a newly launched community-based Uhaki na Usawa social justice centre will help bridge that gap by providing legal assistance and rights awareness programmes to vulnerable members of the community.
Operating from a donated shipping container, the centre was officially opened in Changamwe in the presence of human rights defenders, civil society organisations, government officials and development partners.
The facility is expected to offer legal support and rights awareness to residents facing challenges such as land disputes, gender-based violence, labour conflicts and alleged human rights violations.
For many residents, the cost of hiring a lawyer has remained a major barrier to seeking justice.
Peter Otieno, a resident of Changamwe, said many people abandon their cases because they cannot afford legal fees.
"Most people here do not have the money to hire advocates. Some have land cases while others have family disputes, but they end up giving up because they cannot afford the legal process," he said.
Another resident, Said Bakari, said the centre could provide much-needed support to vulnerable members of the community who often feel powerless when confronted with legal challenges.
"There are people who suffer injustice but do not know where to go for help. Having a place within the community where they can seek advice and guidance is important," he said.
Riziki Ali said limited access to legal information remains a major challenge for many residents.
"Some people lose cases or fail to report violations simply because they do not understand their rights. If this centre can educate people and help them access legal assistance, it will make a difference," she said.
Human rights defenders at the launch said the facility was established in response to growing demand for legal support at the grassroots level. They noted that many victims of rights violations are unable to seek redress due to financial constraints and limited access to legal services.
Beyond legal aid, the centre will also conduct civic education programmes and community outreach initiatives aimed at increasing awareness of constitutional rights and available justice mechanisms.
The launch comes amid growing calls for expanded legal aid services in underserved communities, with stakeholders arguing that access to justice should not depend on a person's financial status.
Residents who attended the event expressed hope that the centre would enable more people to pursue their cases and seek redress through lawful channels.
International Justice Mission (IJM) Director Aggrey Juma said the establishment of the centre was a response to long-standing appeals from residents and activists seeking improved and more accessible justice services.
He described the facility as a public support hub where members of the community can report cases, have them formally documented, and receive counselling and referral services.
Juma added that the centre is expected to serve as an important link between the community and institutions mandated to protect rights and deliver justice to victims.
The centre's manager and Chairperson of the Uhaki na Usawa Organisation, Salim Suleiman, said Changamwe was deliberately selected because of the persistent social challenges and human rights concerns that have been raised in the area over the years.
He explained that the initiative is intended to address cases of social injustice, noting that the centre was established in an area where such issues are frequently reported. He assured residents that its services would be provided to everyone without discrimination.
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