The Office of the Attorney General is bringing justice closer to Kenyans by establishing a network of Legal Aid Centres across the country.
The ambitious initiative, themed “Justice at Your Doorstep,” seeks to make justice more accessible and inclusive by providing free and convenient legal services for all Kenyans, regardless of income level, location, or social background.
The programme primarily targets individuals who have long been excluded from the justice system because of poverty, distance, or limited awareness of their legal rights.
“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 came ahead of the official launch of the first Legal Aid Centre in Machakos County on October 9, 2025.
Oduor explained that the Machakos centre marks the beginning of a nationwide rollout designed to dismantle barriers that prevent citizens from fully realising their constitutional right to justice.
“This Legal Aid Center in Machakos is the first step in changing that reality,” she said.
The Machakos Legal Aid Centre will provide free legal services to citizens who have common legal problems, including land disputes, succession, child protection, and domestic disputes.
Beyond offering legal representation, the centre will promote the use of alternative dispute resolution (ADR) mechanisms to allow communities to settle differences amicably and quickly, reducing the courts’ workload.
To expand access, the center will also utilize technology to bridge the digital divide in legal services. It will be equipped with computers with internet access and trained staff to assist clients in filing legal documents electronically, tracking case status through the e-filing system, and even virtual hearings via video link.
Attorney General Dorcas Oduor indicated that the project aligns with the government’s larger vision under the 2010 Constitution and the Office of the Attorney General Act of 2012, which obligate the state to foster the rule of law, enhance legal awareness, and encourage 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.”
While the Machakos launch marks the first milestone, the government plans to replicate the Legal Aid Centre model nationwide, ensuring that every region eventually benefits from similar facilities.
Attorney General Dorcas Oduor urged development partners, legal practitioners, community-based organisations, and citizens to join hands in supporting the initiative, noting that collaboration is key to building a justice system that is inclusive, fair, and trusted by all.
“Justice must no longer be something people fear or can’t afford. It must be something they can access confidently, close to home, and in a language they understand,” she said.
