The launch of the Machakos Legal Aid Center marks a historic point in granting accessible legal services to the indigent and vulnerable in society. The speech given by our Senior Partner highlights not only the mandate of NLAS but also focus areas of the state counsel deployment and the vision for the future
Below is the speech:
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Good morning.
It is my distinct honor and privilege to stand before you today on this historic occasion as we officially launch the Machakos Legal Aid Center, a milestone not only for the residents of Machakos County but also for the entire nation.
Allow me from the outset to recognize and deeply appreciate the presence and unwavering support of the Attorney General of the Republic of Kenya, whose leadership and vision have been instrumental in shaping the policy and institutional framework that has enabled the expansion of legal aid across the country.
I also wish to recognize the Principal Secretary, the Solicitor General, the State Law Office, our colleagues in the Office of the Attorney General and Department of Justice, County Government officials, the Judiciary, the Law Society of Kenya, representatives from civil society, academia, our development partners, and most importantly, the citizens of Machakos, who are the true beneficiaries of today’s launch.
Acknowledgment of the Attorney General’s Role
The Attorney General, as the Chief Legal Advisor to the Government and as the overseer of the legal aid framework in Kenya, has provided strong stewardship that has guided NLAS to this point. In particular, the Attorney General has championed access to justice for the most vulnerable, aligning with Article 48 of the Constitution, which guarantees every person the right to access justice without unreasonable impediments.
We cannot overlook the bold step taken by the Attorney General in facilitating the recruitment and deployment of 90 new State Counsel dedicated specifically to legal aid. These State Counsel have been assigned to priority areas that touch the very fabric of our society: land disputes, probate and succession matters, children in conflict with the law, and alternative dispute resolution (ADR).
This recruitment is not just about numbers. It is about restoring dignity, ensuring fairness, and upholding the rule of law in the everyday struggles of our people. It is about ensuring that a widow in a rural village can navigate succession without exploitation, that a family can resolve land disputes without being trapped in endless litigation, that a child who makes a mistake is given a chance at rehabilitation rather than condemnation, and that communities can embrace dialogue and mediation to resolve conflicts peacefully.
For this, the National Legal Aid Service remains profoundly grateful to the Attorney General, and we pledge to work closely with the Office of the Attorney General in delivering on this noble mandate.
Mandate of NLAS and the Importance of the Machakos Center
The establishment of the Machakos Legal Aid Center is a tangible expression of NLAS’s statutory mandate as enshrined in the Legal Aid Act, 2016. Our core objective is to provide accessible, affordable, sustainable, credible, and accountable legal aid services to the indigent and vulnerable in society.
Machakos County, being one of the most dynamic counties in Kenya, presents a wide spectrum of legal needs. With the growth of urban settlements, rapid land transactions, expanding family dynamics, and increased interaction between citizens and state agencies, the demand for accessible legal aid is ever-rising.
This center will serve as a safe space where citizens can walk in and access information, advice, and representation. It will provide mediation facilities, legal literacy programs, and community outreach activities to ensure that the promise of justice is not confined to the courtroom but reaches homes, schools, and villages.
Focus Areas of the State Counsel Deployment
- Land Matters
Land continues to be one of the most contentious issues in Kenya. In Machakos and its environs, disputes over ownership, boundaries, inheritance, and community land have not only clogged the courts but also strained community relations. The presence of State Counsel specializing in land disputes will allow residents to access guidance and representation that is informed, impartial, and accessible. It will also support ongoing government efforts to streamline land administration and resolve historical land injustices.
2. Probate and Succession
Many Kenyans die intestate, leaving behind families entangled in succession battles. This often leads to displacement, disinheritance of vulnerable members such as widows and orphans, and long-standing feuds. With specialized State Counsel in probate and succession, the Machakos Legal Aid Center will guide families through the process of obtaining grants of representation, administering estates, and ensuring equitable distribution of assets.
- Children in Conflict with the Law
Article 53 of our Constitution guarantees children the right to be protected from abuse, neglect, harmful cultural practices, and exploitation. Yet, many children find themselves in conflict with the law due to poverty, lack of guidance, or circumstances beyond their control. The deployment of State Counsel to handle such matters ensures that children are treated in a manner consistent with their dignity and rights, with a focus on rehabilitation and reintegration rather than punishment.
Through this center, we will work closely with probation officers, children’s officers, and the judiciary to ensure that the best interests of the child remain paramount. - Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR)
Litigation is costly, time-consuming, and adversarial. ADR provides a practical, community-centered, and restorative approach to dispute resolution. By embedding ADR into our legal aid services, we aim to empower communities in Machakos to resolve disputes amicably, preserve relationships, and reduce the burden on the courts. Our State Counsel will serve as mediators and facilitators, ensuring that ADR becomes not an alternative, but a preferred first choice in resolving disputes.
Partnerships and Collaboration
The success of the Machakos Legal Aid Center will depend not only on NLAS and the State Counsel but also on partnerships. We envision robust collaboration with:
• The Judiciary, to ensure smooth referral systems for legal aid beneficiaries.
• The County Government of Machakos, to integrate legal aid into broader social services such as health, education, and community development.
• Civil society organizations and faith-based groups, who remain critical allies in grassroots mobilization and awareness creation.
• The Law Society of Kenya and pro bono advocates, whose contribution in volunteering expertise will complement the work of State Counsel.
• Development partners and donors, whose support has always strengthened our outreach and sustainability.
Looking Forward – The future of Legal Aid
As we inaugurate this center, we are reminded of the words in our Constitution that “justice shall not be delayed, and justice shall not be denied.” The Machakos Legal Aid Center is a step toward ensuring that these words are not mere aspirations but lived realities.
The hiring of 90 State Counsel is not the end but the beginning of a journey. It is an investment in human capital that will serve not just Machakos but all Kenyans. Our vision is to expand this model to every county, so that no Kenyan, regardless of status or location, is left behind in the quest for justice.
On behalf of the Board and Management of the National Legal Aid Service, I extend our deepest gratitude to the Attorney General for his leadership, to the Government for its commitment, to our partners for their support, and to the people of Machakos for welcoming this initiative.
As we cut the ribbon today, let us remember that this is not just the opening of a building. It is the opening of doors of justice. It is the assurance that a single mother can seek redress without fear of cost, that a farmer can defend his land without intimidation that a child can find guidance instead of condemnation, and that communities can embrace peace over conflict.
May this center stand as a beacon of hope, fairness, and equity for generations to come.
Thank you, and may God bless you all.