The Office of the Attorney General (OAG) is actively pursuing decentralization efforts to bring legal services closer to the public.
This involves opening regional and county level offices to strengthen the principle of justice as an inherent right for all citizens.
The Attorney General is the government’s primary legal advisor, promoting the rule of law and defending public interest. They also play a crucial role in legal policy, legislative drafting, and government representation in legal proceedings.
For instance, Attorney General Dorcas Odour has pledged to fully decentralize her office’s services to counties, aiming to guarantee equitable access to justice.
She stated that by bringing legal services closer to the people, OAG is committed to empowering Kenyans from all walks of life to foster inclusivity within the legal system.
Moreover, the AG said her office is committed to rolling out legal aid services across all the 47 counties within two months, which will complement the Law Society of Kenya’s pro bono initiatives and legal aid clinics.
Odour noted that this effort, known as the “Sheria Mtaani” initiative, aligns with the LSK’s commitment to ensuring legal services reach every nook and cranny of the nation.
“Decentralization of our services will continue apace by establishing offices across the country to bring legal services closer to Kenyans, with a goal of having a presence in all the 47 counties by the end of the year,” she said.
Odour revealed that the OAG is undergoing a digital transformation to enhance government legal services and enhance the efficiency of the legal ecosystem.
“We are also setting up a Sheria training institute to build the skills and ethics of justice actors, provide civic legal education, and offer opportunities for continuing professional development,” she quipped.
Odour said decentralization of the OAG is a key part of the national government’s efforts to improve access to justice, promote the rule of law and enhance public trust in governance.
Speaking in Kwale county after meeting area Governor Fatuma Achani, the AG said in the past lack of decentralization has denied many citizens the opportunity to seek legal advice, representation and fair treatment under the law.
During the meeting, the AG and the governor discussed the establishment of an office in Kwale town.
Odour stated that the new initiative to establish OAG county offices aligns with the national government’s decentralization policies, aiming to ensure equitable access to justice and legal resources.
“Our presence here is not symbolic, it is functional. We are committed to ensuring that every Kenyan, regardless of location, has access to quality legal services and support. Kwale is now firmly on our map for institutional growth,” said the AG.
The AG said the new OAG at the Kwale Water and Sewerage Company Ltd (KWAWASCO) headquarters is set to benefit the residents as services will now be easily accessible.
Odour was hosted by Kwale County Commissioner Stephen Orinde, Deputy Governor Chirema Kombo and KWAWASCO Managing Director Eric Parmet, when she toured the new Kwale AG’s office.
She said the services that will be rendered include registration of marriages and civil litigation among others.
“The decentralized office in the counties will offer a wide range of services including civil litigation, marriage services, public trustee functions and legal aid among others,” she said.
Currently, the OAG is present in at least 15 counties including Kilifi, Mombasa, Garissa, Machakos, Embu, Meru, Narok, Wajir, Nyeri, Nakuru, Eldoret, Kisumu, Kakamega, Kisii and Kericho.
Other counties set to host the OAG before the end of the year include Nyandarua, Tana River, Tharaka Nithi, Baringo, Trans Nzoia, Makueni, Lamu, Vihiga, Marsabit, Kajiado, Isiolo, Elgeyo Marakwet and Kiambu.
Odour stated that decentralization ensures that Kenyans, regardless of their geographical location, have access to reliable legal information, advice, and representation.
Thus, decentralization in Kenya has made justice accessible to all citizens, transforming it from a privilege reserved for a few to a right for all.
Achani expressed delight with the new development saying the move shows that the OAG is out to improve and maintain justice, law and order across the country.
Achani, a lawyer by profession, voiced a high level of confidence in the ability of the OAG to provide quality legal services to the public.
“Our discussion with the AG centered on strengthening legal structures, boosting efficiency in service delivery, and offering professional guidance to our county institutions through the decentralization of the OAG,” said Achani.
The governor said with the decentralization of the OAG, Kwale now stands to benefit from localized legal representation, enhanced institutional support, and much-needed access to justice for the people.
By Hussein Abdullahi
