SHIRLY BRENDA AMAYO
Human Rights Advocate
Nairobi,30
Summary
Dedicated, resourceful, and results-oriented human rights practitioner, lawyer and professional mediator with over 5 years of experience. Demonstrates exceptional project management and leadership skills, particularly in advocacy and research. Adept at coordinating and communicating effectively to produce dynamic and long-lasting results. Proven ability to network extensively with governmental and non-governmental agencies, showcasing a self-motivated approach and a fast-learning curve. Skilled in problem-solving, analytical thinking, and adapting to the evolving field of human rights.
Overview
9
9
years of professional experience
Work History
Legal Fellow
Reprieve UK
04.2020 - 12.2025
- Implementing the Kenya Resentencing Project; Spearheaded the implementation and coordination of strategic interventions aimed at abolishing the death penalty globally, focusing on the most marginalized individuals in society, and developed advocacy strategies to promote human rights, particularly in relation to the abolition of the death penalty, on national, regional, and international platforms.
- Collaborated with government officials, international organizations, and civil society partners to advance human rights initiatives and foster policy changes.
- Conducted comprehensive research and analysis to monitor trends, identify opportunities, and address challenges within the African and international political landscape in regards to the resentencing process.
- Conducted research on gender diversity and the death penalty, with a particular emphasis on minority groups such as women on death row and the LGBTQ+ community.
- Provided case management support by collecting and maintaining data on eligible prisoners for re-sentencing processes.
- Designed and delivered training programs for Probation Officers equipping them with tools and materials necessary for effective client interviews, mitigation investigations and report drafting.
- Organized community outreach programs to raise awareness about the landmark case Francis Karioko Muruatetu & another v Republic [2017] eKLR, aiming to reduce stigma against prisoners and facilitate their successful reintegration into society.
- Successfully recruited and trained pro bono advocates to enhance legal representation for individuals undergoing re-sentencing, significantly improving their chances of favourable outcomes.
- Facilitated workshops and training sessions for judges and other justice actors, including paralegals and prison officers, to ensure the effective implementation of the Muruatetu ruling and the Sentencing Policy Guidelines.
- Drafted the Resentencing Guidelines, which were incorporated into the Sentencing Policy Guidelines gazetted in 2023, furthering the commitment to uphold the rule of law and improve justice outcomes.
Program Officer/Electoral Violence Specialist
Elections Observation Group (ELOG), Kenya
04.2022 - 12.2023
- Coordinated all outcome areas under the USAID and IRI grants.
- Implemented programs such as Electoral Violence Monitoring, Citizen-Led Assessment of the 2022 electoral processes, Media Monitoring, National Post-Election Symposium, and Electoral Reform Matrix.
- Assisted in the recruitment, training, and deployment of Electoral Violence Monitors (EVMs), PVT Supervisors, PVT Observers, GO Supervisors, and Observers.
- Developed and maintained a database for EVMs, supervisors, and observers.
- Managed supervisors and observers, ensuring their accreditation and deployment on Election Day.
- Developed and coordinated training schedules, logistics, and training materials dissemination.
- Drafted and produced periodic project reports.
- Originated all financial documents for the Senior Program Manager.
- Represented ELOG in stakeholder meetings.
Legal Intern
African Court on Human Peoples’ Rights (AfCHPR)
Arusha
01.2019 - 07.2019
- Managed the planning, implementation and coordination of the Legal Aid program.
- Monitored the program budget and tracked expenditures and transactions.
- Guaranteed organized and streamlined processes by preparing and submitting work plans, project reports, and documentation.
- Collaborated with African human rights organizations and civil society groups to enhance awareness and understanding of AfCHPR’s work, enabling them to utilize the Court effectively to advance human rights in Africa.
- Developed and executed advocacy strategies to elevate the profile of AfCHPR, ensuring widespread dissemination and practical application of the Court’s decisions.
- Represented AfCHPR at various international and regional human rights events, fostering relationships and promoting the Court’s mission.
- Assisted in case management for Court sessions, including drafting legal briefs, case notes, case summaries, deliberation notes, legal opinions, and correspondence with parties, while ensuring compliance with time limits.
- Conducted comprehensive research on complex substantive and procedural legal issues, analyzed legislation and jurisprudence from National and International courts, and monitored developments in international human rights law.
- Prepared detailed reports and fact sheets on the status of cases pending before the Court.
- Contributed significantly to Court events, including drafting keynote speeches for Judges.
- Maintained and updated the Legal Aid database, identified counsel for applicant representation, responded to program-related correspondence, and assisted in organizing the 3rd training for Legal Counsel.
- Attended Committee and Plenary meetings, drafting detailed reports during the 52nd and 53rd Court Sessions.
- Played a key role in developing the organization’s advocacy strategy, providing input on priority issues and campaigns.
Legal Volunteer
Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA), Kenya
01.2018 - 12.2018
- Provided legal advice to clients at the FIDA Kenya Legal Aid Clinic, prepared court pleadings, and attended court proceedings.
- Assisted in training FIDA Kenya clients on self-representation in court.
- Certified Professional Mediator, facilitated over 10 successful mediation sessions.
- Represented FIDA Kenya in national and non-governmental forums, including the United Against Inhumanity initiative and the Prevention Against Maternal Death project.
- Trained legal monitors and pro bono lawyers on handling cases related to Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV), and Child Marriage.
- Educated Community Elders on Traditional Dispute Resolution Mechanisms (TDRM), Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR), case documentation, and Human Rights.
- Assisted in planning stakeholder forums under the Hivos grant focused on women’s labor rights.
- Participated in numerous open legal aid sessions to advance FIDA Kenya’s mission of promoting, protecting, and advocating for women’s and children’s rights.
- Conducted legal research on various human rights issues, including gender equality, FGM, labor rights, and succession.
Program Assistant- National Coordinator’s Office
Elections Observation Group (ELOG), Kenya
04.2017 - 12.2017
- Provided effective and efficient support to the National Coordinator to ensure smooth program delivery including administrative, logistical and information management assistance to the Program Leader and other team members, as well as planning and coordination of team activities.
- Coordinated Implementation of ELOG Programs: Successfully managed the execution of key programs and activities including the Law Review Forum (LRF), Steering Committee (SC), and Advisory Peace Panel (APP) meetings.
- Civil Society Liaison and Coordination: Engaged with key civil society partners nationwide to discuss various aspects of election observation. Facilitated experience sharing, identified challenges, and consolidated lessons learned to build consensus on electoral reforms. Promoted dialogue between civil society organizations and relevant state actors on election matters.
- Primary Contact for National Coordinator’s Office: Served as the initial point of contact, handling correspondence and phone calls, managing calendars, and organizing meetings.
- Documentation and Reporting: Prepared work plans, drafted and compiled reports, presentations, and legal opinions.
- Administrative Control and Record Maintenance: Organized and maintained administrative records related to commitments and expenditures, travel, insurance, and procurement, ensuring efficient and accurate record-keeping.
Education
Masters - Human Rights
University of Nairobi
01.2025
Certified Professional Mediator - undefined
Mediation Training Institute International East Africa
01.2018
Degree - Law
Kenyatta University
01.2016
Advocacy And Policy Contributions
- Drafted the resentencing framework adopted into Kenya’s Sentencing Guidelines Policy 2023.
- Delivered an oral statement before the 58th Session of the UN Human Rights Council.
- Presented an oral statement to the 92nd CEDAW Pre-Sessional Working Group for Kenya.
Work Availability
monday
tuesday
wednesday
thursday
friday
saturday
sunday
morning
afternoon
evening
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Accomplishments
· Drafted the resentencing framework adopted into Kenya’s Sentencing Guidelines Policy 2023 (SPGs 2023), strengthening judicial consistency and human-rights–aligned re-sentencing standards.
· Delivered an oral statement before the 58th Session of the UN Human Rights Council (Geneva), advocating for Kenya’s abolition of the death penalty through legislative reform and ratification of the ICCPR Second Optional Protocol.
· Presented an oral statement to the 92nd CEDAW Pre-Sessional Working Group for Kenya on the need for gender-sensitive approaches in capital cases, highlighting the unique vulnerabilities of women facing capital punishment.
· Led and supervised the drafting and publication of a comprehensive citizen-led assessment report on the 2022 electoral processes, providing independent analysis and evidence-based recommendations for electoral reform and accountability.
Skills
- Contract drafting
- Legal research
- Legal writing
- Document review
- Policy analysis
- Oral advocacy
- Criminal law
- Teamwork and collaboration
- Problem-solving
- Time management
- Attention to detail
- Problem-solving abilities
- Multitasking
- Collaboration and teamwork
- Multitasking Abilities
- Excellent communication
- Organizational skills
- Effective communication
- Adaptability and flexibility
- Legal research and review
- Legal analysis
- Legal document preparation
- Investigation skills
- Legal case management
Certification
Mediation Training Institute International East Africa
Certified Professional Mediator
Languages
English
Bilingual or Proficient (C2)
Timeline
Program Officer/Electoral Violence Specialist
Elections Observation Group (ELOG), Kenya
04.2022 - 12.2023
Legal Fellow
Reprieve UK
04.2020 - 12.2025
Legal Intern
African Court on Human Peoples’ Rights (AfCHPR)
01.2019 - 07.2019
Legal Volunteer
Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA), Kenya
01.2018 - 12.2018
Program Assistant- National Coordinator’s Office
Elections Observation Group (ELOG), Kenya
04.2017 - 12.2017
Masters - Human Rights
University of Nairobi
Certified Professional Mediator - undefined
Mediation Training Institute International East Africa
Degree - Law
Kenyatta University