Jedidah Wakonyo: An Award-Winning Jurist Who Has Shaped Kenyan Legislation

Published on Dec. 23, 2024, 9:25 p.m.

Jedidah is a focused leader and 2020 Jurist of the Year, trained in law with a special focus on security, penal and refugee matters. She is currently serving as the Director/Chief Executive at the Witness Protection Agency (WPA) is the only state institution that provides special protection to at-risk, threatened and/or intimidated witnesses in the Republic of Kenya. What was your Chevening Cohort, what did you study and in which University? I undertook a Masters in International Human Rights Law in 2002/3 at the University of Nottingham. How was your Chevening experience and how did it or has it changed/impacted your life? My experience in the UK was eye-opening having had the opportunity to learn in a different environment with various nationalities and experience the use of high digital technology using the library links. It further reinforced my belief in the power of education, community and intercultural exchange which helped me appreciate my country - Kenya and my role in policy development and implementation. As a Chevening Leader, what would you consider your proudest moment or greatest achievement? In 2004 through my leadership at Legal Resources Foundation as the CEO and Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) as a Commissioner, I assisted in the conceptualization, development and implementation of significant policy shifts in the Republic of Kenya including the Judicial Service Act 2011 in respect to the establishment of the National Council on the Administration of Justice ( NCAJ) and Court Users Committee CUC), Prevention of Persons Deprived of Liberty Act 2013, Legal Aid Act 2014, Sentencing Policy 2019 (Reviewed 2023), Bail and Bond Policy, 2019, 2019 Census to include the third sex marker - Intersex, among others. I also see my footprints in the Constitution 2010 especially in respect to Articles 50 and 159 in respect to fair trial, judicial authority and alternative justice systems. Who or what has had the greatest influence on your life? My mother was a teacher who promoted the right to education, especially for the youth and children, and paralegal education. This led me to listen carefully and work closely with the most vulnerable in the community including prisoners, refugees, children, women, and the people who have been rendered poor and/or underprivileged. What is the most important lesson you have learned in life? Live when young and do not limit your dreams which may become a reality now or later in your lifetime. How would you like to be remembered? A people person and an advocate for justice.