AG to Launch National Legal Aid Service in Nairobi
The launch is anticipated to attract broad participation by government officials, civil society actors, human rights groups, and development agencies.
Attorney General Dorcas Oduor. Photo/Courtesy
By Ruth Sang
The Attorney General, Dorcas Oduor, will on Tuesday lead the national rollout of the Legal Aid Service in Kibera, Nairobi, marking a landmark achievement in the government’s push to make justice accessible to every Kenyan, just as healthcare is meant to be universal.
The launch, organized by the Office of the Attorney General in partnership with the National Legal Aid Service and other key stakeholders in the justice sector, is a major step toward the full implementation of the constitutional requirement that all Kenyans, irrespective of social standing, are entitled to access to justice without discrimination.
The newly launched legal aid program aims to plug the long-standing gaps in justice that many vulnerable and marginalized groups face. In an effort to get rid of barriers that have prevented many citizens from accessing legal support, this new initiative decentralizes legal services, taking them right into the communities.
At the heart of the initiative is a solar-powered, green container that has been transformed into a fully-fledged Legal Aid Centre. The mobile centre is intended to act as a point of direct access where residents can access free legal advice, attend to virtual court hearings, and get assistance on issues that range from civil disputes and land issues to succession, children in conflict with the law, and probate cases.
Ahead of the commissioning, Oduor reiterated that expanding legal aid is central to the government‘s commitment to ensuring that the rule of law is strengthened under the BETA. She added that this country’s justice system must be free, accessible, and responsive to the needs of all its citizens, not just a privileged minority.
“Justice should be affordable and available to every Kenyan. No one should be denied legal help because of their economic status. This programme is designed to ensure that justice is delivered with fairness, dignity, and equality,” she stated.
The launch is anticipated to attract broad participation by government officials, civil society actors, human rights groups, and development agencies. Many have framed the initiative as a major step toward building stronger and legally empowered communities.
Oduor also gave notice of the government’s deliberate plan to increase legal education and awareness, more so in settlements and rural areas where citizens normally lack access to information touching on legal matters. She noted that the program will prioritize women, youth, and persons with disabilities as groups that usually face added challenges when accessing justice.
She added that the project is not just about providing legal aid but an opportunity to solidify Kenya’s human rights framework and build a more inclusive and accountable society.
“By decentralizing legal services, we are breaking down structural barriers that for far too long have impeded access to justice. This programme is part of a bigger social justice movement dedicated to making sure everyone has been treated fairly,” she added.
This is in line with Kenya Vision 2030 and the National Legal Aid Policy, whose goal is to incorporate access to justice into the country’s holistic development agenda. The Attorney General’s office plans to roll out similar legal aid centres to all counties in coming months.
Residents of Kibera are already optimistic, saying that the centre offers a long-awaited opportunity to resolve legal matters without the burden of high costs or travelling to distant courts.
As the nation prepares for the official rollout, Oduor reaffirmed her office’s commitment to shaping a justice system that is citizen-centered, inclusive, and fair.
“The Office of the Attorney General will continue championing justice, fairness, and equality. This launch is a commitment to empower Kenyans, strengthen governance, and uphold the country’s democratic values through equal access to justice,” she said. The national commissioning of the Legal Aid Service is more than a government event; it is a strong signal of Kenya’s intention to build a society where justice truly is for all.
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