Public interest litigation and expansion of rights

Over the past 20 years, Kenya’s legal and policy landscape has been shaped by court decisions that have clarified, expanded and set precedent on various issues touching on human rights, democracy, elections, criminal justice, environmental protection, et cetera.

The phenomenon in which individuals or groups use the courts to advance human rights and equality, or raise awareness on issues of broad public concern can be described as public interest litigation (PIL). This is also referred to as class action suits, strategic, impact or human rights litigation.