Free Legal Aid Gives Uasin Gishu Residents a Lifeline Amid Soaring Land Disputes
Susan Mbone of Langas Estate addresses the media during the free legal aid camp in Eldoret on Friday. (Photos edited by Kemuma Achieng)
By Gideon Ngeno
Tens of residents on Friday received free legal aid in Uasin Gishu County from the Federation of African Law Students (FALAS Kenya) — a programme aimed at giving poor and vulnerable citizens access to justice in a county grappling with hundreds of land-related disputes.
Law students from several universities, under the umbrella of FALAS Kenya, offered pro bono consultations on sexual offences, gender-based violence, early marriage, land disputes, inheritance, and succession.
Personal Stories Highlight Need
Vincent Korir of Eldoret has been embroiled in a land case for over two years. During that time, he says, destruction of the parcel of land in question has continued unchecked. After consulting with FALAS-affiliated student lawyers, he reports feeling relieved:
“At least I’m now conversant on how to deal with trespass, and how to follow up ongoing cases by liaising with the advocates involved,” Vincent says.
“I feel listened to and I feel someone is ready to hold my hand through the tough journey in the corridors of justice.”
Another case involves Susan Mbone of Langas Estate, who lost her child on April 7, 2025. Though Susan reported the incident to the police, she says there has been no meaningful progress:
“I lost my child … and to date police have done nothing to offer me hope of finding him despite me reporting to them,” she lamented.
“I’m requesting the lawyers to assist me find my child.”
FALAS Kenya’s Model
FALAS Kenya is led locally by Gesimba Ating’ah, the Country Director. While the law students involved are not yet accredited to appear in the High Court, the organization has put in place a follow-up mechanism in which accredited advocates mentor and support cases brought to their attention.
“The follow up activities will be conducted directly by accredited advocates themselves who are our mentors,” said Gesimba.
“We have very strong partners such as the ZK Advocate, which has a department that oversees justice for widows and orphans.”
On sustainability, Gesimba explained that many advocates already earn fees in their regular practice; those earnings help to offset the costs of supporting this free legal aid work.
“What matters is to see that legal services really get to those who need it.”
Why This Matters: Land Disputes and the Economy
Under Article 48 of the Kenyan Constitution, all persons are entitled to access justice, including through legal representation. Yet thousands of Uasin Gishu residents cannot afford legal fees.
Land disputes are among the biggest problems. According to Judiciary and Ministry of Lands reports:
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In the North Rift region, which includes Uasin Gishu, the backlog of land-dispute and environment court cases fell from about 1,500 to roughly 700 after the adoption of alternative dispute resolution mechanisms.
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More than 1,300 households in Sergoit area have protested over disputes concerning 2,000 acres of land, alleging illegal title deeds and land grabbing.
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A notable case involves Nyalilbei Farm (606 acres) in Soy Constituency, where residents accuse a Member of Parliament of defying court orders even after a 2012 ruling favored the original owners.
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The Ministry of Lands recently pledged to issue 6,000 title deeds in Uasin Gishu as part of a national drive to clear uncollected deeds.
These figures underline the urgency of resolving land disputes, issuing titles, and ensuring that citizens understand their rights.
Benefits for Litigants and the Economy
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Empowerment for individuals: Early legal advice helps residents understand their rights and legal options, reducing exploitation and procedural delays.
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Reduced burden on courts: Properly prepared cases and mediation free up judges’ time and ease backlogs.
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Social stability: Fair resolution of land disputes reduces conflicts and enhances trust in institutions.
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Economic gains: Clearer land tenure and faster dispute resolution encourage investment in agriculture, housing, and small businesses while reducing the costs of enforcement and evictions.
Bridging the Gap
As Gesimba Ating’ah summed up:
“What matters is to see that legal services really get to those who need it.”
In a county facing thousands of pending land cases, uncollected title deeds, and historic injustices, the Federation of African Law Students’ free legal-aid outreach on Friday is more than charity — it is a step toward fulfilling Kenya’s constitutional promise of access to justice and unlocking the region’s economic potential.
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