Attorney General’s Office Launches Free Legal Aid Centres to Bring Justice Closer to Kenyans

The Attorney General’s Office in Kenya has unveiled a transformative initiative to make legal services accessible to all citizens through the establishment of state-run Legal Aid Centres. Named “Justice at Your Doorstep,” this program aims to bridge the gap for Kenyans who face barriers to accessing justice, particularly the poor, marginalized, and vulnerable populations.

The initiative addresses longstanding challenges such as high legal fees, complex court procedures, and the burden of long travel distances, which have historically prevented many Kenyans from seeking legal recourse. Attorney General Dorcas Oduor emphasized the importance of this effort in ensuring equitable access to justice, a right enshrined in the Constitution and the Office of the Attorney General Act of 2012.

The first Legal Aid Centre will open its doors on Thursday, October 9, in Machakos County, marking the initial step in a nationwide rollout. While a detailed schedule for additional centres has not yet been released, the plan is to establish similar facilities across all regions of Kenya, ensuring comprehensive coverage.

These centres will offer free legal assistance for a wide range of issues, including family conflicts, land disputes, child protection, and succession matters. Beyond providing direct legal support, the centres will promote alternative dispute resolution methods to facilitate faster, more amicable solutions, reducing the reliance on lengthy court processes.

A key feature of the initiative is the integration of technology to enhance accessibility. Clients will have access to internet-enabled computers and support staff to file cases online, track progress through the e-filing system, and participate in virtual court sessions. This digital approach aims to streamline processes and make legal services more efficient and user-friendly.

Oduor described the Machakos centre as a beacon of hope, symbolizing the government’s commitment to making justice a right for all, not a privilege for the few. The initiative is designed to be inclusive, accessible, and responsive to the needs of all Kenyans, delivered in a language they understand and in locations close to their communities.

The launch in Machakos is only the beginning, with plans to expand the network of Legal Aid Centres to every county. The Attorney General called on legal professionals, civil society organizations, development partners, and the public to collaborate in building a justice system that is trusted and inclusive. The goal is to create an environment where no Kenyan fears or cannot afford justice, but instead can access it confidently and conveniently.