The Attorney General has announced plans to open new offices in 15 additional counties, effective from January 2025. This expansion will bring the total number of offices under the Attorney General’s office to 28, with a broader reach to offer vital legal services to a larger population. The decision follows the Cabinet’s approval for the decentralization of the State Law Office, a move that will significantly enhance legal service delivery nationwide.
Currently, the Attorney General’s office operates in 13 counties, including key locations like Malindi, Mombasa, Garissa, Machakos, Embu, Meru, Nyeri, Nakuru, Eldoret, Kisumu, Kakamega, Kisii, and Kericho. With the opening of the new offices, this coverage will be extended to counties that have previously been underserved in terms of state legal services, thereby fostering a more inclusive justice system. The new offices will be based in the following counties: Nyandarua, Narok, Tana River, Tharaka Nithi, Baringo, Trans Nzoia, Makueni, Lamu, Vihiga, Marsabit, Kajiado, Isiolo, Wajir, Elgeyo Marakwet, and Kiambu.
According to Solicitor General Shadrack Mose, the decision to expand the Attorney General’s presence into these additional counties is rooted in the commitment to bring legal services closer to the people, especially in areas where access to justice has been limited. He explained that the decentralization would focus on key services, including Civil Litigation, Public Trustee, the Registrar General – Marriages section, and National Legal Aid services. These services are crucial for ordinary citizens who may find it difficult to travel to major urban centers to access legal aid or resolve legal matters.
“This move is part of a broader strategy to enhance access to justice for all Kenyans, no matter where they live. With these new offices, we aim to bridge the gap in legal services between urban and rural areas, ensuring that all citizens can access the justice they deserve,” Mose stated.
The decision to decentralize the Attorney General’s office has been welcomed by many, especially in the newly included counties. Residents of these counties will now benefit from having a local office where they can seek legal assistance on matters related to civil disputes, marriage registrations, and national legal aid. This is expected to significantly reduce the burden on individuals who would otherwise have had to travel long distances to major towns like Nairobi or Mombasa to access these services.
The move to establish offices in all 47 counties had initially been proposed by the Attorney General, and in June 2023, the Cabinet granted approval for this ambitious decentralization initiative. The goal is to ensure that legal services are available in every corner of the country, promoting fairness, equity, and efficiency in the administration of justice.
As Kenya continues to grow and urbanize, the demand for legal services has increased across all counties. By expanding its presence in both urban and rural areas, the Attorney General’s office hopes to provide equitable access to justice and contribute to the ongoing development of the nation’s legal framework.
The opening of these new offices is just the beginning of a broader vision for a decentralized justice system in Kenya. In the coming years, it is expected that all 47 counties will have access to the full range of services provided by the Attorney General’s office. This will not only make the justice system more accessible but will also help foster greater trust between the citizens and the state by ensuring that justice is not a privilege for a few, but a right for all.
In conclusion, the expansion of the Attorney General’s office into 15 more counties marks a vital step towards improving the legal infrastructure in Kenya. The decentralization will bring justice closer to the people, ensuring that every citizen, regardless of their location, has the opportunity to access legal assistance and support when needed. As these offices begin operations in January 2025, they are expected to play a pivotal role in making Kenya’s justice system more inclusive, efficient, and accessible to all.
