Celebrated media personality and former NTV journalist Jane Ngoiri has been sworn in as a member of the HIV & AIDS Tribunal.
The media personality was sworn in on Wednesday morning, March 29, by Deputy Chief Registrar of the Judiciary Paul Maina.
In an update on her social media pages, Jane shared photos from the swearing-in ceremony accompanied by a message declaring her commitment to her new job.
”Today I’m humbled and honored to be sworn in as a member of the HIV/AIDS Tribunal of Kenya. I am committed to serving with integrity, compassion, and dedication as we work towards ensuring justice and fairness for all those affected by HIV/AIDS in our country. So help me God,” she wrote.
Her swearing-in comes two weeks after being appointed to the seven-member tribunal by Attorney General Justin Muturi.
Jane will serve alongside Carolyne Mboku (the Chairperson), Nelson Wanyonyi Osiemo, Brian Ouko Yego, Dr Irene Njahira Mukui, Prof Walter Godfrey Jaoko and Dr Solomon Musani.
“In exercise of the powers conferred by section 25 (1) of the HIV and AIDS Prevention and Control Act, the Attorney-General appoint, the chairperson and members of the HIV and AIDS Tribunal,” the notice read in part.
The tribunal will serve for three years, taking effect from Friday, March 10.
The HIV and AIDS Tribunal was established in 2006 under Section 25 of the HIV and AIDS Prevention and Control Act.
HIV and AIDS Tribunal
The HIV and AIDS Tribunal was established in 2009 through the HIV and AIDS Prevention and Control Act, 2006.
The creation of the tribunal in Kenya the first of its kind globally represents a bold step towards promoting laws and policies that advance human rights and fundamental freedoms.
The HIV and AIDS Tribunal has the powers to receive evidence, hear witness accounts, conduct full hearings and pass judgments on all matters arising out of any breach of the provisions of the Act but excludes criminal jurisdiction.
The Act specifically outlaws discrimination on account of ones HIV status including discrimination in workplace, schools and educational institution; restriction on in country travels including entry and exit, abode and lodging.
It also outlaws isolation and quarantine and denial of employment and related inhibition or exclusion from elective position as well as from accessing credit.
The Act further outlaws mandatory testing and denial of accident, medical and life insurance.
“Every health institution whether public or private and every health management organization shall facilitate access to healthcare services to persons with HIV without discrimination on the basis of HIV status,” the act states.
Journalism career
Ngoiri started her career by presenting English News at K24.
However, one day a colleague, who was a Swahili reporter, fell sick and she stepped in; she presented the news so well that she was allocated the Swahili news slot.
Nation Media Group took note of her skills and offered her a job as an NTV Swahili presenter and was paired with Nimrod Taabu.
The former NTV journalist is also known for her great investigative pieces like the Sisters of Death and Nairobi Bum Enhancers.
