On 28th April 2016 (Independent Medico-Legal Unit) IMLU launched the first ever database on torture in Kenya in a colorful ceremony attended by IMLU donors, network professionals, friends and staff. This saw a paradigm shift from the previous systems which were largely manual to a digital data entry system.
Among other things, the database which is web-based, offers the organizational file and data management systems; better data storage, manipulation and retrieval client data, better safety of client files and information, easier and faster access to client files by the simple click of a button, unlimited storage space for the large volumes of client data, easy tracking of services offered to clients, automated report generation and easy appointment scheduling.
The launch marked the actualization of one of the major milestones enshrined in IMLUs five year strategic plan that is Strategic Objective 2 - to improve access to justice for victims of torture through medical, legal and psycho-social support which in the long run improve service delivery.
IMLU Executive Director Peter Kiama pointed out that the idea of having a database had been conceptualized as a result of challenges faced by programme staff in the course of data entry of client information. He added that the database was not only going to be useful to IMLU but also all other users/organizations interested in torture related data and researchers as well.
David C Jourdan, a representative from the Royal Norwegian Embassy led the rest of the members in the official launch and commended IMLU for the good work noting that this was going to be very instrumental in the generation of reports based on accurate data that is system generated. He emphasized on the need to continually seek to improve on report generation as this is very important to partners and other users.