The Attorney General’s office plans to open Legal Aid Centres across the country in an ambitious plan to make justice more accessible, free and inclusive for all Kenyans.
Themed “Justice at Your Doorstep” the programme will aim to ensure every citizen — regardless of income, location or social standing — can access free legal services. It particularly targets those historically excluded from the justice system due to poverty, distance or lack of awareness.
“High legal fees, complex court procedures and long travel distances have kept justice out of reach for too many Kenyans, especially the poor, the marginalised, and the vulnerable,” Attorney General Dorcas Oduor said in a statement.
Her remarks precede opening of the first state-run Legal Aid Centre in Machakos county on Thursday, October 9.
Oduor said the opening marks the start of a nationwide rollout to break down the barriers that have long locked citizens out of the justice system.
“This Legal Aid Centre in Machakos is the first step in changing that reality,” she said.
The opening dates for others were not announced.
The new facility will offer free legal assistance for everyday challenges — including land disputes, succession matters, child protection and family conflicts. It and others will also promote alternative dispute resolution to help communities settle issues amicably and efficiently.
Beyond face-to-face consultations, the centre will use technology to bridge the digital divide in legal access. Internet-connected computers and trained staff will help clients file cases online, track progress through the e-filing system and attend virtual court sessions via video links.
Oduor said the initiative is anchored in the Constitution and the Office of the Attorney General Act of 2012, both mandating the state to uphold the rule of law and promote equal access to justice.
“This is not just another government office — it is a beacon of hope,” she said. “It symbolises our promise that justice in Kenya will not be a privilege for the few, but a right for all.”
The Machakos launch is the first in a phased rollout that will establish similar centres in every region. The Attorney General urged development partners, legal professionals, community organisations and citizens to support the initiative and help build a justice system that is fair, inclusive and trusted.
“Justice must no longer be something people fear or can’t afford,” Oduor said. “It must be something they can access confidently, close to home and in a language they understand.”
