The European Union has allocated sh 850 million to bolster the National Legal Aid Service (NLAS) in its endeavor to facilitate access to justice for the impoverished and marginalized segments of society.
Alexandre Baron, Head of Section Governance and Macroeconomics at the European Union delegation to Kenya, emphasized the program’s focus on enabling disadvantaged citizens to engage legal representation and secure fair trials. He highlighted the stark reality that over three million Kenyans struggle to afford legal fees, hindering their access to justice.
Baron conveyed these sentiments during the inaugural National Legal Aid Day and the opening of the NLAS North Rift chapter in Eldoret town, Uasin Gishu County. He underscored the EU’s commitment to narrowing the disparity in access to justice between the privileged and the underprivileged in society.
“Our primary objective is to facilitate access to justice for marginalized and vulnerable groups, ultimately restoring public trust in the country’s judicial system,” Baron remarked. He expressed confidence that the EU’s investment in the program would extend access to justice to remote areas for more vulnerable groups.
Baron affirmed the EU’s dedication to supporting the judiciary in enhancing access to justice across remote regions through NLAS. He stressed the urgent need for equitable access to justice among vulnerable groups to foster confidence in the judicial system.
Encouraging increased governmental support for NLAS, Baron advocated for channeling more resources toward the service to realize its vision and mission for the targeted beneficiaries. Established under the Legal Aid Act on April 26, 2016, NLAS’s mandate includes advocating for human rights and facilitating access to justice.
Baron revealed a new partnership with the government, allocating an additional sh 5 billion to bolster NLAS’s efforts, including those involving police and prison departments. This funding aims to promote access to justice for marginalized groups and enhance the capacities of justice systems.
Fresiah Githumbi, Acting Chief Executive Officer of the National Legal Aid Service, highlighted that over seven million Kenyans encounter legal issues spanning land disputes, family matters, criminal charges, and employment conflicts. She lamented that less than half of them can access justice due to financial constraints, often leading to despair.
Githumbi reiterated NLAS’s commitment to providing free legal services to marginalized and vulnerable communities. She debunked misconceptions about the quality of service, emphasizing NLAS’s adherence to high ethical standards and dedication to honesty and fairness in all dealings with clients, communities, and stakeholders.