NYANZA-Prof Nick Johnson was, on Thursday, installed as the new rector of the Institute of Legal Practice and Development (ILPD), based in Nyanza District, Southern Province.

Prof Johnson replaces Vastina Nsanze who has been at the helm of the institution since October 2007.

Johnson was appointed to head the institute which offers practical training to legal practitioners by the cabinet on May 11.

In an interview with The New Times, the incoming rector noted that he would work towards improving the quality of the training the institute offers.

"We will meet and talk with all legal practitioners to see what can be improved. We will carry out a needs assessment before taking any action,” he committed.

He noted that he was aware of the tough task awaiting him but noted that his academic and experience is an added advantage which will enable him to handle it. "I recognise that there will be a lot of challenges ahead, but through hard work, we will overcome them.”

His predecessor, Vastina Nsanze, noted that the institute had acquired a lot under her four-year tenure, citing the elaboration of training manuals and handbooks, acquisition of over 6,000 books, infrastructure development , and improvement of its services, among others.

She noted that, so far, over 200 people working in the justice and legal sector have been trained at the institute, while staff members underwent a capacity building programme to help them improve the quality of the services offered.

"We started from scratch and struggled to establish systems and procedures which enabled the institution to function. Today, this institute has really grown and we are present on the regional and international scene”, Nsanze observed.

" There were times when things seemed not to be advancing as we wished but patience, hard work and teamwork have been central to our job.”

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