JUSTICE NEST

Our 2nd Client release: LK’s Story of Survival and Hope Earlier this year, LK, a mother of four and pregnant with her fifth child, found herself in a tragic situation that upended her life. Following a violent domestic incident, she was arrested, charged with murder, and detained at Lang’ata Women’s Prison—unable to raise the cash bail of USD 160 (Kshs.20,000). While imprisoned, LK gave birth under difficult conditions, enduring immense emotional and physical hardship. Yet, her hope never wavered. JUSTICE NEST intervened, securing her release. Today, LK is reunited with her children and dreams of building a small business to rebuild her life. “I’m so happy and thankful to God that I am out of prison. May the person who facilitated my release be blessed beyond measure,” she said tearfully, her voice filled with relief and gratitude when she walked out of the gates of prison. Her sister, IM, expressed profound joy at the release, explaining how LK’s freedom lifts a significant burden from her shoulders. As a small-scale greengrocer in Dandora, IM had been struggling to support LK’s children and juggling that with visiting her in prison, all while earning a meagre income. Justice Nest’s social workers are currently helping LK find mental health support and sustainable income. At JUSTICE NEST, we are committed to disrupting cycles of poverty and incarceration by advocating for justice that restores and uplifts families. Because justice isn’t just punishment—it’s about hope and second chances. You can support others like LK by partnering with us www.justicenest.org/donate #JusticeNest #RestorativeJustice #GBVSurvivor #SocialImpact #JusticeForAll #Chrismasgiving

#happyjamhuriday2024

🌟 Building Bridges to Justice 🌟 This week, the Justice Nest team is at the Coast, working within the walls of Shimo la Tewa Prisons. Over the next three days, we are proud to be recruiting and training a new cohort of paralegals—both inmates and prison officers. At Justice Nest, we believe in empowering communities with legal knowledge and skills to ensure a fair, family-centric, and accessible justice system for all. By equipping inmates and officers with paralegal expertise, we aim to: Strengthen access to justice within correctional facilities, Promote restorative approaches, and Foster a culture of fairness and accountability. This initiative is part of our ongoing commitment to address systemic gaps in Kenya's justice system and to champion second chances and inclusivity. Stay tuned for updates as we continue this transformative journey at Shimo la Tewa! #JusticeNest #AccessToJustice #ParalegalEmpowerment #TransformingLives

Justice Nest Officially Launched! ✨ On December 4th, 2024, we officially launched Justice Nest, and what an incredible day it was! We were deeply honored to have the esteemed Hon. Ann Claire Williams (Ret.) of Jones Day as our Chief Guest, sharing her inspiring words and lending her unwavering support to our mission. At the heart of this initiative is Miriam Wachira, MBA, LL.M, LL.B, the founder and executive director at Justice Nest, whose passion and unwavering dedication to justice took center stage. Delivering the keynote address, Judge Ann Claire Williams (Ret.) commended Wachira’s visionary leadership. “Miriam is the kind of person who looks at what could be impossible and makes it possible,” Judge Williams noted. She added, “the light of justice burns in Miriam’s eyes, and her work inspires me to keep returning to Africa. Support her in this dream because the difference she is making is undeniable.” JUSTICE NEST seeks to address systemic challenges in Kenya’s justice system, focusing on holistic solutions that restore families and protect the most vulnerable, particularly children. Lady Justice Teresia Matheka highlighted the urgent need for JUSTICE NEST’s intervention: “There is a yawning gap in the justice system that has not been consciously addressed. The Children Act 2022 recognizes children in need of care and protection, but what next? Justice Nest assures hope by bridging these gaps and diverting children and parents back to society. Families need restoration, and children need justice that serves their best interests.” She added “Paralegals play a crucial role under the guidance of advocates to provide legal awareness for those in custody. I see Justice Nest embracing this focus area and look forward to collaborating with them.” This launch marked the beginning of a journey to transform Kenya’s justice system into one that is fair, family-centric, and accessible to all. We’ve already started breaking ground with impactful initiatives like: ✅ Mother and children diversion program ✅ Prison paralegal program at Shimo la Tewa Women, maximum and medium prisons. But the journey has just begun, and we need your support to keep the momentum going! 🚀 Here’s how you can make a difference: 1️⃣ Help us raise funds to train paralegals and set up prison legal offices. 2️⃣ Share our story with your networks to amplify our mission. 3️⃣ Partner with us to create long-term solutions for systemic justice reform. 💡 Together, we can ensure that no one is left behind in their pursuit of justice. If you’d like to join this movement or learn more, please reach out or consider making a contribution to support our work https://lnkd.in/eScRWWSc Thank you to everyone who has been part of this journey so far. This is just the beginning, and we can’t wait to see what we will accomplish together! #JusticeNest #AccessToJustice #SocialImpact #TransformingLives Acumen

On this #givingtuesday we are reminded that a little generosity can change a family's life for the better. Here is the story of our first client. AW, 28, walked out of Lang’ata Women’s Prison with her 2-year-old child in tow, her tear-streaked face glowing with a smile so radiant it could melt the hardest heart. For seven days, AW had been confined within the prison walls, unable to raise the Sh2,000 (about USD 15) fine imposed after her arrest for hawking in Nairobi’s Central Business District.  Each passing day deepened her anguish, knowing her detention meant separation from her 8-year-old daughter, who waited anxiously at home in Uthiru.   “I never want to find myself in prison again,” she exclaimed, overwhelmed with gratitude, as Justice Nest stepped in to secure her release, reuniting her family.   AW’s case came to the attention of Justice Nest during a Children’s Court User Committee meeting held at the Lang’ata Women’s Prison daycare on November 22, 2024. The committee, which deliberates on the treatment of children in the justice system, recognised the urgent need to address the plight of mothers like AW.   Hearing the story of this single mother of two, Justice Nest’s founder and executive director, Miriam Wachira, MBA, LL.M, LL.B, took immediate action.   “I listened intently to her story, every word deepening my conviction that neither AW nor her daughter belonged there,” said Ms. Wachira.   Justice Nest paid the fine, and the court promptly issued her release order.   AW’s journey into incarceration began on November 17, 2024, at Nairobi’s Sunken Car Park. A trained hairdresser, she had struggled to find consistent work to provide for her two children. In desperation, she turned to selling illicit brew, sourcing the product from a friend and selling it to customers for a small profit. Her first attempt was successful, giving her the courage to expand her reach. However, on her second day at Nairobi CBD’s Skate Arena, with her 2-year-old daughter by her side, she was arrested. Despite offering the Sh1,500 she had on hand and a promise to clear the balance later, her payment was rejected. With no alternative, she faced a 14-day detainment.   She is currently working with Justice Nest social worker to find a more sustainable source of income.   Her story is just one among many. Across Kenya, countless mothers languish in remand centers, detained not for violent crimes but for poverty-driven offenses. Each case represents a family torn apart, children left vulnerable, and a society in need of compassion.   At Justice Nest, we believe justice is not merely about punishment—it is about hope, restoration, and second chances. By intervening in cases like AW’s, we strive to reunite families, restore dignity, and offer the gift of freedom to mothers and children in vulnerable circumstances. You can support our work through https://lnkd.in/dzE4yAg7 #givingtuesday

People focused justice will ensure Women’s needs are met even within the Justice system.

The biggest percentage of women in prison for murder were once victims of domestic violence. Let not forget them as we celebrate the International Day of Elimination of violence against women.

Happy International Day of Children! 🌍 At Justice Nest, we believe every child deserves a chance to grow, learn, and thrive—free from the confines of legal systems that often fail to understand their unique circumstances. This week, as we celebrate children worldwide, we’re spotlighting our Juvenile Justice Diversion Program, which aims to transform how we address children in conflict with the law. Instead of punitive measures, we focus on restorative justice, counseling, and community-based solutions that help children rebuild their lives without the stigma of incarceration. Through this program, we’ve seen firsthand how second chances can transform futures. A child once labeled as "troubled" can become a beacon of resilience and promise when given the right support. Together, let’s continue advocating for systems that prioritize compassion, fairness, and opportunity for every child. 🌱 Because when we uplift children, we build a brighter future for all. #InternationalDayOfChildren #JuvenileJustice #RestorativeJustice #JusticeNest #EveryChildMatters

Welcome back Miriam Wachira, MBA, LL.M, LL.B and Eddie Ndonga Kaddebe, can't wait to hear about your experience at Lagos. Your passion for Justice is our inspiration.

We're thrilled to share that the Justice Nest team recently visited Shimo La Tewa Prison, where we engaged with prison authorities on the transformative power of an active paralegal program within the prison system. The leadership of Shimo La Tewa, across its maximum, medium, and women’s units, has expressed a remarkable openness and excitement for this partnership, recognizing the critical role it could play in fostering a more just and peaceful environment. The need is urgent. Inmates' greatest need is access to justice, and with well-trained paralegals, we can empower them with knowledge of their cases and guide them on how to effectively present themselves in court. This initiative not only addresses legal representation but also supports inmates' mental health—reducing anxiety by helping them understand their legal processes and options. Why does this matter? Establishing paralegal programs in these prisons could be a groundbreaking step in promoting peace within prison walls. By ensuring that inmates have the guidance they need, we can assist them navigate the justice system more effectively, promoting fairer outcomes and contributing to a healthier and more stable environment for all. This collaboration represents a pivotal opportunity to address a deeply underserved need, and we are actively seeking partners to help make it a reality. Together, let’s bring justice and dignity to those who need it most. #JusticeNest #ShimoLaTewaPrison #ParalegalPrograms #JusticeReform #MentalHealth #PrisonReform #Partnerships