Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT) School of Law, in partnership with the JKUAT Legal Clinic through the Amka Africa Justice Initiative, held a land rights mock trial on March 19, 2026, at the Karen Campus.
The event focused on issues of land injustice and women’s land ownership, highlighting the critical role of legal empowerment in advancing gender equity in rural areas.
The mock trial provided a practical platform for students to engage with real-world legal challenges surrounding land disputes, particularly those affecting women in rural communities. Through simulated court proceedings, participants explored the legal, cultural, and socio-economic barriers that often hinder women’s access to land ownership.
Using a real case adapted from Ol Daima Ranch, a 65,000-hectare property inhabited by pastoralist communities practicing communal land tenure systems, the students assumed the roles of petitioners and respondents. This setup enabled them to interrogate competing claims over land rights, examine the intersection of customary and statutory law, and critically analyze how such dynamics impact women’s land ownership and protection.
During the event, Prof. Hellen Mberia, Principal of the Karen Campus, welcomed students and participants from various organizations and government institutions representing women, noting the importance of their presence in the discourse.
“This activity is important to the broader community, particularly in advancing women’s empowerment in matters of community land and addressing discrimination against women. It will promote greater inclusivity of women in land-related issues,” said Prof. Mberia.
Ms. Faith Allube, CEO of the Kenya Land Alliance, highlighted key challenges in land ownership, including gender inequality, historical land injustices, politicization of land, urban land conflicts, weak community land recognition, and climate-related disputes.
She noted that discriminatory laws, cultural practices, and unequal systems have long denied women secure land rights, excluding them from ownership, inheritance, and decision-making. Despite their central role in agricultural production, women remain vulnerable to displacement and exploitation, with their contributions often overlooked.
Manager, Amka Africa initiative, Ms. Milka Wahu who is also a lecturer in JKUAT Karen campus introducing the organization said that the organization is non-profit organization based in Nairobi, Kenya that focuses on promoting access to justice for marginalized and vulnerable communities.
“Amka Africa works with universities legal clinics and grassroots organizations to ensure that justice is not just for the privileged, but accessible to everyone especially women, minority groups, marginalized communities and low-income individuals,” noted Ms. Milka.
Speaking after the mock trial, Ms. Zoey Aseka, a third-year JKUAT law student who emerged as the best trial advocate, expressed her appreciation to JKUAT and Amka Africa for providing a platform for students from different institutions to practice and participate in mock trials.
“In my earlier years, especially in my first year of law school, I struggled with speech and stage fright. However, through these mock trials, I have greatly improved my confidence, communication skills, and ability to articulate issues affecting society, particularly those related to women and land disputes,” she said.
The event was attended by approximately 300 participants, with about 10 universities represented, including Kenyatta University, Kabarak University, Mount Kenya University, and the University of Nairobi, among others.
