The International Commission of Jurists (ICJ) Kenya has expanded its campaign to eliminate petty offence laws by focusing on the broader goal of decriminalising poverty and social status globally. Programme manager Julie Matheka noted that such laws often target the poor and marginalised—sex workers, hawkers, drug users, and other vulnerable groups—who are penalised for trying to survive under tough economic conditions. What began as an African initiative has grown into a global movement involving over 40 countries, with ICJ Kenya taking a lead role in coordinating efforts across Anglophone Africa and promoting shared learning.
Matheka stressed that the campaign isn’t just about repealing outdated laws, but also challenging the criminal justice system’s approach to poverty and addiction. She criticised how societal stigma and legal enforcement disproportionately affect vulnerable groups, including sex workers who are often arrested and shamed while working. She praised progress in Kenya’s approach to addiction, citing the establishment of 14 methadone clinics and a 15th underway, which signals a shift towards support over punishment. ICJ Kenya continues to advocate for legal reforms and collaborate with institutions like the National Council for the Administration of Justice (NCAJ), which submitted amendment bills to Parliament in 2023 aiming to decriminalise offences like loitering and hawking by shouting.
