Kituo Cha Sheria

Kituo Cha Sheria, established on July 2, 1973, is Kenya's pioneering legal aid center dedicated to enhancing access to justice for the poor and marginalized. Initially operating part-time under the name Legal Advice Centre, it was founded by volunteer lawyers committed to assisting those unable to afford legal services. In 1989, it was renamed Kituo Cha Sheria, meaning “Centre for Legal Empowerment,” and transitioned to a full-time secretariat.

The organization's vision is “A Just and Equitable Society,” and its mission focuses on empowering the underprivileged to access justice and enjoy their human rights through advocacy, legal aid education, representation, and research. Kituo's core values include respect for human rights, commitment to justice and equity, solidarity with pro-poor individuals and agencies, courage in promoting social transformation, service through volunteerism, transparency, accountability, upholding the rule of law, and professionalism.

Kituo Cha Sheria offers a range of services, including legal advice, representation, litigation, community mobilization, and research. The organization operates its headquarters in Nairobi, with a branch office in Jogoo Road and a regional office in Mombasa. It also runs Community Justice Centers in informal settlements, managed by trained paralegals who provide free legal advice to walk-in clients.

In recent years, Kituo has achieved significant milestones. Notably, in 2017, the High Court of Kenya declared the government's directive to close the Dadaab refugee camp unconstitutional, a case filed by Kituo. The organization continues to advocate for the rights of refugees and asylum seekers, ensuring their protection under Kenyan and international law.

Kituo Cha Sheria remains steadfast in its commitment to legal empowerment, striving for a society where justice and equity are accessible to all, regardless of socio-economic status.

For more information, visit their official website: https://kituochasheria.or.ke