Death With Dignity: Towards the Legalization of Euthanasia in Kenya.

Abstract

The main goal of the study is to find out where euthanasia fits into Kenya's legal system because in as much as euthanasia has been legalized in various jurisdictions, it remains illegal in Kenya for reasons that are anchored in the law, religion, customs and morality. The study has established that the Kenyan Penal Code outlaws any form of taking away of human life regardless of the situation one is in and proceeds to recommend that Parliament amends the laws prohibiting euthanasia in order to cater for the needs and rights of persons wishing to end their lives as a result of unending pain and suffering from chronic illnesses. This research looks at the reasons advanced by pro-euthanasia and anti-euthanasia groups by looking at countries that have legalized euthanasia, albeit under tough regulations, with the aim of borrowing lessons and applying the same to Kenya, a country that is largely conservative and pro-religious.