Hon. Lady Justice Njoki Ndung’u, SCJ has called for greater efforts to raise public awareness about the Kenyan Constitution, emphasizing its vital role in protecting the rights and freedoms of all citizens.
She made these remarks during a public lecture on February 12, 2025, at the Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT) School of Law, Karen Campus. The event, organized through the Supreme Court, was attended by faculty members and law students and provided an in-depth exploration of family law and the Supreme Court’s jurisprudence on the subject.
Opening the session, Lady Justice Ndung’u commended JKUAT’s School of Law for its excellent performance in last year’s moot court competitions. She acknowledged the Supreme Court’s commitment to engaging with students through lecture circuits and moot court sessions, expressing her enthusiasm for future participation.
“The Supreme Court takes pride in the lecture circuits held at various campuses and in the moot court sessions, where JKUAT students performed exceptionally well. We look forward to seeing you back in our courts for another moot court soon,” she said.
Lady Justice Ndung’u presented a comprehensive paper on equal rights in marriage, the legal implications of family disputes, and the importance of understanding marital laws in cases of separation, inheritance, and custody. She also addressed children’s rights, educating attendees on the legal frameworks that protect them.
She emphasized the need for greater awareness of these issues to help prevent family conflicts, noting that understanding these laws is essential for ensuring justice and safeguarding the rights of all family members.
Justice Ndung’u further underscored the importance of a deeper understanding of the Constitution to build a well-informed and active citizenry capable of participating effectively in the country’s democratic processes. While acknowledging the progress made in promoting constitutional awareness, she stressed the ongoing need for continuous and widespread education to ensure that all Kenyans regardless of background or location are fully aware of their constitutional rights and responsibilities.
Prof. Hellen Mberia, Principal of Karen Campus, highlighted the campus’s unique position as the only university offering both undergraduate and master’s programs in law. She noted that the lecture not only enhanced academic knowledge but also created a platform for advocacy, encouraging future legal practitioners to approach family-related cases with empathy, understanding, and justice.
Dr. Stephen Aming’a, Dean of the School of Law, praised the relevance of the lecture, stressing that family law affects everyone, not just legal practitioners. “Family disputes, succession issues, and property conflicts arise from families and individuals, not lawyers. We are honored that the apex court in Kenya sent one of their finest to enlighten us on these matters,” he said.
Dr. Aming’a also noted the growth of JKUAT’s School of Law, highlighting its two key programs: the Bachelor of Laws (LLB) and the Master of Laws (LL.M), which offers three specializations—Law and Science, ICT Law, and Law and Sustainable Development.
