The government of Kenya is set to launch the Office of the Attorney General’s Legal Aid Centers across the country, marking a major step in expanding access to justice for all Kenyans, especially the poor, marginalized, and vulnerable.
According to Attorney General Dorcas Oduor, access to justice remains a cornerstone of Kenya’s democracy but continues to elude many citizens due to high legal fees, complex court procedures, and limited access to legal services.
“Far too many Kenyans, especially those who are poor, marginalized, or vulnerable, still struggle to realize this promise,” she said.
“High legal fees might force a mother to choose between seeking justice and feeding her children; complex procedures and distant courthouses often render justice out of reach.”
She noted that the government has taken deliberate measures to make justice more inclusive, including establishing the National Legal Aid Service (NLAS) under his office, which has already assisted thousands of Kenyans in need of legal support.
Other milestones include court digitization, the deployment of mobile courts to remote areas, and strengthened public legal education to promote awareness of legal rights.
The new Machakos Legal Aid Center, which will be officially opened on Thursday, is the first in a series of planned facilities that will be rolled out across the country.
“Machakos is the first step; many communities will follow,” said the Attorney General.
The center will offer essential legal services on issues such as children in conflict with the law, family and inheritance matters, land disputes, and alternative dispute resolution.
Oduor emphasized that these services are not acts of charity but a constitutional guarantee to ensure all Kenyans can defend their rights and resolve disputes fairly.
She described the launch as part of a broader transformation toward a justice system that is inclusive, people-centered, and empowering.
“When the Machakos Legal Aid Center opens its doors, any Kenyan—regardless of status—can walk in with confidence and receive the help they need. This is not just another government office; it is a beacon of hope and a solemn promise that justice will not be a privilege for the few but a right for all,” she said.
To further widen access, the center will incorporate digital tools such as internet-connected workstations and trained staff to help clients use the e-filing system, track cases, and participate in virtual court sessions.
The Attorney General urged development partners, professional associations, religious institutions, and community organizations to collaborate with the government in promoting legal awareness and ensuring that justice reaches every Kenyan.
“When communities, institutions, and government work hand in hand, justice ceases to be a distant ideal and becomes a daily reality,” she added.
“That is how we will build a justice system every Kenyan can trust and take pride in—a system that truly delivers justice at your doorstep.”