NAIROBI, Kenya – The International Commission of Jurists, Kenyan Section (ICJ Kenya) Executive Director Elsy Sainna was awarded the prestigious Nairobi Law Awards, emerging as the 2023 Civil Society Lawyer of the Year, Vanguard Edition.
During the award ceremony, Sainna was hailed for displaying unwavering commitment to social justice, amplifying the voices of those whose rights are often marginalized in society. Further, her noble efforts in advocating for Social Justice, Human Rights, and positive change within Civil Society were described as admirable and worth emulating.
“This year’s awardee has amplified the voices of those whose rights are often overlooked. Their role in this advocacy is multifaceted and impactful. They have demonstrated that they are ready to formulate inventive ways to collaborate with International, regional, and grassroots Organizations,” noted Victor Mulindi, Citation reader, Nairobi Legal Awards.
Sainna’s citation noted that she had innovatively engaged at the regional level with regional judiciaries and African human rights mechanisms, including drafting civil society alternative reporting guidelines to the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights, which have since been adopted.
Through her leadership at ICJ Kenya, she also spearheaded the development of a comprehensive review of the legal and policy frameworks concerning the right to health.
“The result of this review is a set of key recommendations aimed at addressing critical issues and promoting equitable access to healthcare for all,” noted Mulindi.
During an emotional and heartfelt acceptance speech, Sainna thanked the Awards committee for the recognition, citing that the award represented and validated the hard work civil society organizations put in through advocacy work to better their society.
“I would like to thank the ICJ Kenya family for the great work they continue to put in their daily advocacy work as they champion social justice and human rights. This award is for you. I would also like to thank my family and, most importantly, God for this great honour,” said Elsy.
The ICJ Kenya Executive Director also dedicated the award to the women within the Civil Society space for their tireless efforts in applying the voices of the marginalized within society.
Others nominated for the prestigious award included Allan Caleche from KELIN, Annette Mbogoh, Kituo Cha Sheria, Kombo Zaina Waturi, Amnesty International Kenya, and Valentine Njogu, KELIN.
During the award ceremony, ICJ Kenya was also nominated in the Civil Society Organization of the Year category.
ICJ Kenya was hailed for its advocacy towards advancing electoral justice in Kenya and the region. It was the first Civil Society Organisation admitted as amicus in Kenya’s presidential petition. ICJ Kenya was further commended for championing and increasing knowledge on and expanding access to justice avenues, including training the Community Paralegals on alternative justice systems. Through the paralegal training, over 669 community members have been served in its networks.
