Attorney General Dorcas Oduor is set to preside over the national commissioning of the Legal Aid Service in Kibera, Nairobi, on Tuesday, marking a historic milestone in Kenya’s efforts to expand access to justice for all. The launch signals the government’s commitment to ensuring that justice much like healthcare is treated as a universal right rather than a privilege reserved for a few.
The initiative is a collaboration between the Office of the Attorney General, the National Legal Aid Service, and other key justice sector actors. It aims to close the justice gap that disproportionately affects vulnerable and marginalised communities by bringing essential legal assistance directly to the people.
At the heart of the project is an innovative Legal Aid Centre built inside a custom-modified, solar-powered container. The centre is environmentally friendly, fully accessible, and designed to function as a decentralised justice hub. Residents will be able to obtain free legal advice, receive help in civil matters, and even participate in virtual court hearings without leaving their community.
Legal support will cover a wide range of cases, including land disputes, succession matters, child protection issues, and cases involving children in conflict with the law. For many Kibera residents, this will be the first time professional legal assistance is available within walking distance.
Speaking ahead of the launch, AG Oduor said the programme is part of a broader government agenda to strengthen constitutionalism and the rule of law under the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA). She stressed that justice must be accessible, affordable, and timely for every Kenyan.
The initiative also advances Kenya’s human rights commitments and aligns with the National Legal Aid Policy and Vision 2030. It places special emphasis on women, youth, and persons with disabilities—groups that face the greatest barriers within the justice system.
With plans underway to expand similar centres to all counties, the Kibera launch is expected to draw wide participation from government agencies, private sector partners, development organisations, and human rights groups.
As Kenya prepares for the commissioning, the Attorney General reaffirmed her pledge to build a people-centred, inclusive justice system that leaves no one behind.
