The Law Society of Kenya (LSK) has announced a multi-agency intervention aimed at supporting victims of alleged sexual harassment within the legal profession.
The move follows a surge in complaints involving advocates and law firms across the country.
In a statement, LSK President Faith Odhiambo said the society will collaborate with the Advocates Benevolent Association (ABA) to provide free counselling sessions through registered therapists to victims who come forward with complaints of sexual harassment.
“We will be collaborating with the Advocates Benevolent Association to provide free counselling sessions through registered therapists to affected members of the profession,” Odhiambo said.
She noted that the move is intended to address the psychological and social impact of harassment on victims.
She added that LSK will also work closely with its partners, FIDA-Kenya, to handle and complete investigations into reported cases, while seeking the support of the Witness Protection Agency (WPA) to ensure the safety of vulnerable complainants.
“We believe that this approach will provide the holistic support necessary in managing both social and psychological effects of harassment and related trauma,” Odhiambo said.
The LSK president said the society has taken note of a recent spike in complaints of alleged sexual harassment involving members of the legal profession, many of which have been shared on social media platforms.
According to Odhiambo, a significant number of the reported cases involve associates, interns and pupils in law firms, as well as young professionals working in non-governmental organisations.
“These complaints indicate a worrying trend of abuse of power by senior colleagues against junior, vulnerable members of the profession,” she said.
