The Office of the Attorney General has unveiled an ambitious plan to establish Legal Aid Centres across Kenya under the theme “Justice at Your Doorstep.” The initiative seeks to make justice more accessible to all citizens, regardless of income, location, or social status.
Attorney General Dorcas Oduor announced that the first Legal Aid Centre will officially open in Machakos County on October 9, 2025, marking the beginning of a nationwide rollout. The programme aims to remove barriers such as high legal fees, long travel distances, and complex court processes that have kept many Kenyans—particularly the poor and marginalised—away from the justice system.
“High legal fees, complex court procedures, and long travel distances have kept justice out of reach for too many Kenyans,” said the AG in a statement. “This Legal Aid Centre in Machakos is the first step in changing that reality.”
The Machakos centre will provide free legal services in areas such as land disputes, succession matters, child protection, and family conflicts. It will also promote alternative dispute resolution (ADR) to help communities resolve issues amicably and efficiently.
In a move to modernise service delivery, the centres will be equipped with internet-connected computers and trained staff to assist clients with online document filing, e-filing case tracking, and participation in virtual court sessions.
The AG emphasised that the initiative aligns with the 2010 Constitution and the Office of the Attorney General Act, 2012, which require the state to promote legal awareness and uphold access to justice.
“This is not just another government office—it is a beacon of hope,” Oduor noted. “It symbolises our promise that justice in Kenya will not be a privilege for the few, but a right for all.”
The government plans to replicate the Machakos model across all regions, ensuring that every Kenyan can access free, quality legal aid close to home.
