Why the Prevention of Torture Act, 2017 is a milestone in Kenya's progressive reforms

April 13, 2017 saw President Uhuru Kenyatta assent to the Prevention of Torture Act 2017. Having been first drafted as the Prevention of Torture Bill 2010 by a multi-stakeholder team led by the Independent Medico-Legal Unit and the ICJ - Kenya Chapter, the seven-year journey to the new law has been arduous and painstaking. This new law is a milestone for several reasons.

First, the law now provides a clear platform to actualise several fundamental articles in the Constitution, including Article 25 with regard to freedom from torture and cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment or punishment, Article 28 on respect and protection of human dignity, and Article 29 on freedom and security of the person.