The Kenyan government is set to embark on a significant initiative aimed at decentralizing legal services by opening Attorney General offices across 15 counties beginning January 1, 2025. This move, which is part of a broader strategy to enhance access to justice and improve service delivery, marks a pivotal moment in the country’s quest for good governance and rule of law.
Decentralization for Effective Service Delivery
In a notice issued by the government, it was announced that the new offices would offer a range of services, including civil litigation, public trustee roles, marriage registration, and National legal aid. The establishment of these offices is aimed at bringing legal services closer to the citizens, making them more accessible to individuals who may not be able to travel long distances to reach the Attorney General’s headquarters in Nairobi.
The decision to open these offices is rooted in Section 6 (3)(b) of the Attorney-General Act, which mandates the establishment of regional offices where necessary to facilitate service delivery. This legislative framework provides the legal basis for decentralization, ensuring that citizens in different regions of the country can access the services they need without unnecessary bureaucratic delays.
The Counties Benefiting from the Initiative
The 15 counties selected for the new offices include Nyandarua, Narok, Tana River, Tharaka Nithi, Baringo, Trans Nzoia, and Makueni. These counties were identified based on factors such as population density, geographic accessibility, and the volume of legal issues handled in those regions. The government aims to cover a diverse range of locales, from urban centers like Kiambu and Isiolo to more remote areas like Wajir and Marsabit.
Other counties benefiting from this initiative are Lamu, Vihiga, Kajiado, Elgeyo Marakwet, and Kiambu. Each of these regions will now have a dedicated office to handle the public’s legal needs, bringing services closer to those who require them most. This decentralization is seen as a critical step towards achieving equitable access to justice across the country, especially in underserved areas.
Impact on Governance and Rule of Law
The establishment of these offices is expected to have a profound impact on governance and the rule of law in Kenya. By decentralizing legal services, the government aims to reduce the backlog of cases and improve the efficiency of service delivery. It will also help in addressing the delays associated with accessing legal services in Nairobi, which have often left many citizens at a disadvantage.
The Office of the Attorney General and Department of Justice has assured the public of its commitment to the mission of good governance through these new offices. They will provide a platform for the protection and promotion of human rights, aligning with the broader goals of fostering a just society. The services offered will not only address civil litigation and public trustee roles but will also include critical functions like marriage registration, which is often a legal requirement for many citizens.
Approval and Preparation for Launch
The initiative to establish these regional offices was approved by the Cabinet on June 27, 2023, after the Attorney General sought Cabinet approval last year. This approval marked a significant step in the implementation of the government’s vision for a more decentralized and accessible justice system. The offices are being prepared to handle the influx of cases expected from the new regions, with staffing, infrastructure, and logistical support already being put in place.
By opening these offices, the government hopes to set a precedent for future decentralization efforts across other sectors of public service. This approach is not only about easing access to legal services but also about building trust between the government and its citizens by ensuring that justice is both accessible and timely.
Conclusion
The opening of Attorney General offices in 15 counties is a landmark move in Kenya’s ongoing efforts to decentralize and improve public service delivery. It represents a significant shift towards enhancing accessibility to justice for all citizens, regardless of their location. As the country moves closer to January 2025, there is optimism that these new offices will pave the way for a more equitable and responsive legal system in Kenya, thereby upholding the principles of good governance and the rule of law across the nation.
