Oliver Mathenge
6 July 2008
Nairobi — Ms Florence Simbiri-Jaoko was elected by fellow commissioners to be the new chairperson of the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights on Saturday.
The former vice-chairperson replaces Mr Maina Kiai, who has headed the public-funded organisation for five years. His term ends on July 29.
Mr Hassan Omar Hassan was elected vice-chairperson by the nine-person body named by the President. Their five-year terms of office will run from July 30, 2008.
Law degrees
Ms Simbiri-Jaoko is an advocate of the High Court of Kenya and holds law degrees from the University of Nairobi and the University of Bristol in England.
Prior to joining the commission created in 2003, Ms Simbiri-Jaoko was a lecturer at the University of Nairobi and the Kenya School of Law. She has served as a Magistrate and a Principal Deputy Registrar of the High Court of Kenya and has extensive experience in judicial and human rights training.
She is also a member of the International Commission of Jurists - Kenya Chapter, International Federation of Women Lawyers - Kenya Chapter, and International Association of Refugee Judges.
Mr Hassan, who holds a law degree from Moi University, has been involved in human rights advocacy and training under the Supreme Council of Kenya Muslims, Muslims for Human Rights, and the Kenya National Students Union where he served as chairperson. He has also worked in publishing and communications, and briefly served in the Kenya Armed Forces.
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