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Kenyans can access free legal aid through the Attorney General’s Office, under a programme referred to as the National Legal Aid and Awareness Programme (NALEAP).

NALEAP, set up under the Department of Justice in the Office of the Attorney General, aims to create awareness with the Kenyan public about legal aid; and provide legal advice and representation mainly to the poor, marginalised and vulnerable in Kenyan society.

The legal aid clinic offices are located in five regions namely; Nairobi, Kisumu, Mombasa, Nakuru and Eldoret.

Eligibility Criteria

For one to qualify for the free services, they have to be a citizen of Kenya or a refugee under the Refugees Act. 

Further, a victim of human trafficking, an internally displaced person or a Stateless person also qualifies for the same.

Additionally, the AG’s office also provides that a child who requires legal representation qualifies for legal aid.
 

A photo of prisoners in Mombasa during a worship service in prison

Star of Hope

Process To Receive Legal Aid

Make an application to receive Legal Aid Services By Filling in Form NLAS1

This form can be found on the first schedule after contacting the offices stated above. This form also applies to legal aid providers who wish to be accredited to offer the services.

Depending on the circumstances of the case, the service may grant partial legal aid to a person on condition that he/she makes a financial contribution to the fund. 

The National Legal Aid Service (NLAS) will also charge fees for the accreditation of various legal aid providers as per the fee schedule in the Legal Aid (general) regulations 2020.

The NLAS also offers legal aid clinics at its offices located at KCS House, 10th floor.

Their offices are open from Monday to Friday from 8:00am-5:00pm in addition to offering frequent legal aid clinics in the community.

NLAS offices are located five regions i.e. Nairobi, Kisumu, Mombasa, Nakuru and Eldoret. Additional offices will be established in seven (7) other counties namely; Lamu, Mandera, Wajir, Garissa, Isiolo, Marsabit and Tana River.

Additionally, Kituo Cha Sheria a Non-Governmental organisation provides legal services to deserving persons.

Any person in need of legal assistance can now get legal advice through their mobile phones courtesy of Kituo Cha Sheria. 

Through an innovative platform called ‘M-Haki,” one can be assisted by a team of dedicated legal experts at Kituo Cha Sheria. You only need to send your concern as a text message in English or Swahili to 0700777333 and wait for a response.

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The Judiciary Kenya

In February 2024, the explosion that occurred in the Mradi Area in Embakasi gained nationwide attention and raised questions over the number of companies dealing in illegal Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) operations across the country.

The incident, which claimed three lives and at least 280 people nursing injuries at various hospitals in Nairobi, led to Interior CS Kithure Kindiki launching a crackdown on all LPG dealers to crack the whip on illegal operations by unethical companies.

President William Ruto also ordered the government officials involved in granting the licence to the Embakasi-based gas filling plant to be dismissed, arrested and prosecuted over the incident.

This led to the dismissal of four National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) officials.

Aftermath of the Embakasi explosion incident which occurred on January 2, 2024.

PCS

Ministry of Interior

The Ministry of Energy is mandated to conduct audits across LPG dealers to authenticate the validity of their licences.

According to the Petroleum Act 2019, those caught either importing, exporting or transporting LPG without a valid licence are liable to a fine of not less than Ksh10 million or a two-year imprisonment.

Also, any individual importing LPG cylinders through undesignated routes attracts an additional fine of at least Ksh200,000.

Any business person found guilty of operating a non-licensed LPG facility such as refilling or rebranding cylinders without the brand owner's consent risks a fine of not less than Ksh10 million.

The Act also provides that any person found guilty of reselling bulk LPG to another person to export or retail without a valid licence issued by the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) will be liable to pay a fine not less than Ksh1 million.

Anyone found guilty of using a car to transport bulk LPG that does not possess a valid permit will also attract a fine of not less than Ksh1 million.

Further, any company that fails to display the original or certified copy of the permit at the operation's premises will be liable to pay a fine of not less than Ksh1 million.

The Act also stipulates that any business that supplies bulk LPG to unlicensed companies attracts a fine of Ksh500,000 for each delivery made.

Additionally, companies engaging a driver to supply LPG in bulk without a valid certificate attract a fine of not less than Ksh250,000.

"Failure by the LPG licensee to comply with all the laid out obligations set by EPRA will attract a fine of not less than Ksh200,000 for each offence committed," read part of the Act.

The Act also prescribes a 48-hour window to report any LPG-related accident, failure to which attracts a fine not less than Ksh200,000 for each offence committed for each accident not reported within the period.

EPRA Director General Daniel Kiptoo speaking during the official release of the Energy and Petroleum Statistics Report on December 15, 2023.

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EPRA

Kenyans who make voluntary savings towards the 10 per cent deposit for President William Ruto's affordable houses will be able to get refunds should they fail to secure one.

As detailed in the Affordable Housing Bill 2023, it was revealed that one can save to raise the 10 per cent deposit which is required for one to be allocated a house.

However, owing to the anticipated demand for housing, one may fail to get a unit and prefer to have their money back.

"An agency shall open a separate bank account where voluntary savings shall be kept and any interest arising from the investment of voluntary savings shall be credited to this account. An agency shall issue an account number to each person making a voluntary saving."

President William Ruto interreacting with contractors in Nandi County in January 2024 and affordable houses constructed in Nakuru County.

PCS

"A person who has made a voluntary saving and has not been allocated an affordable housing unit and desires to withdraw his or her savings shall give a 90 days notice to the agency for a refund with accrued interest, if any," reads the proposed Bill in part.

The refunds will also take less than 90 days to be processed.

Monthly Payments 

As detailed by Housing Principal Secretary Charles Hinga, affordable housing will be offered in three categories namely; Social, Affordable Housing Program (AHP) and Market.

Kenyans will also be able to own the homes through a rent-to-own option. This will entail the payment of a 10 per cent deposit and monthly instalments spread out over several years to enable one to meet the house value.

Social

The social housing units will be offered to low-income earners. The houses will have different units ranging from one-bedroom to three-bedroom houses.

One-bedroom houses will cost Ksh840,0000. The deposit to be paid for these units is 10 per cent (Ksh84,000). One will then be required to pay Ksh3,200 monthly until they finish paying for the house.

Two-bedroom units will go for Ksh1.2 million with the deposit set at Ksh126,000. The monthly payment for these houses will be Ksh4,800.

On the other hand, three-bedroom houses will go for Ksh1,680,000. Interested buyers will required to pay a deposit of Ksh168,000 before moving in. Subsequent monthly payments were set at Ksh6,400.

Monthly payments for President William Ruto's Affordable Housing Programme.

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Charles Hinga

AHP

One-bedroom units in this category were listed to go for Ksh960,000. Occupants will be required to pay Ksh5,200 monthly after paying a deposit of Ksh96,000.

Two-bedroom houses will be priced at Ksh1.9 million while three-bedroom units will be sold for Ksh2.8 million.

Monthly payments for 2-bedroom houses after the 10 per cent deposit will be Ksh10,400. Occupants of three-bedroom houses, on the other hand, will be making monthly payments of Ksh15,600 after paying their deposits.

Market

Market houses will be bigger compared to those in the social and AHP category. This category will only have one and two-bedroom houses.

One-bedroom houses, 60 square meters in size, will be priced at Ksh4.3 million. The payment model will be set at Ksh432,000 for a deposit and a monthly payment of Ksh31,000.

Three-bedroom units on the other hand will be 80 square meters in size and cost Kenyans Ksh5.7 million. Monthly payments after the 10 per cent deposit will be Ksh41,000.

Housing Principal Secretary Charles Hinga speaking to journalists at State House Nairobi on May 24, 2023.

Kenyans.co.ke

Kenyans can now access up to nine essential Judiciary services at Huduma Centres, a move that adds to the wide catalogue of government services citizens can access under one roof.

This directive aims to increase access to justice for Kenyans as part of the Judiciary's larger strategy.

In a notice dated January 29, Huduma Kenya announced that all Kenyans will also be able to file for a civil case, obtain documents from an existing case and obtain mention dates from all centres across the country.

GPO Nairobi, City Square, Makadara, Kibra, Eastleigh, and Thika Huduma Centres were chosen to pilot six other services as the judiciary looks to scale the service to different facilities across the country.

It is now possible to file a new case at the nearest centre using the following processes.

A photo of Court Proceedings at Milimani Law Courts

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The Judiciary

To file a plea, follow these steps at your nearest Huduma Centre:

Head to the Judiciary desk.

Bring along a valid National Identification card or passport.

Make sure you have a pre-prepared scanned pleading in PDF format.

Have enough money with you to cover any fines, deposits and court fees.

Once you have presented all three documents, the service desk will create an e-filing account for you.

If you already have an account, you'll need to provide your password.

The service desk will then book a case from your account and give you a case number.

If it's a virtual case, the desk will also provide you with the hearing date and link.

Upon presentation of ID cards from their respective law firms or advocates, court registry staff at Huduma Centre will also be able to serve advocates and law firm representatives.

Furthermore, Huduma Centers had previously expanded services offered to include pension claims.

A photo of lawyers deliberating about a case.

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Labour guide

On Wednesday January 31, Labour CS Florence Bore revealed that Kenya would be using the Regulation of Wages (General) (Amendment) Order 2022 to calculate basic minimum monthly wages.

The minimum wage structure which was prepared by the now Cooperatives CS Simon Chelugui categorises salaries according to different demographics. 

The categories include Kenyans working in cities, all former municipalities and town councils of Mavoko, Ruiru and Limuru, and the rest of the country. 

General Labourers

Kenyans queueing for jobs in Kenya.

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Nairobi Review

This category includes cleaners, sweepers, gardeners, children nannies, house servants, day watchmen and messengers. 

Those working in Nairobi, Mombasa, Kisumu and Naivasha, are entitled to a salary of Ksh15,202.

General labourers in the former municipalities receive a monthly salary of Ksh14,025 with the rest of the country paying Ksh8,109. 

Miners

This category also encompasses stone cutters, turn boys, waiters, cooks, loggers and line cutters. 

The aforementioned receive a salary of Ksh16,417 in Kenyan cities with those working in the former municipalities receiving a wage of Ksh14,566. 

For the rest of the category, the workers get paid a paltry 9,370. 

Night Watchmen

Those working in the cities receive a daily rate of Ksh813 translating to Ksh16,959 per month. 

For night security guards working in all former municipalities and town councils of Mavoko, Ruiru and Limuru, the monthly salary is Ksh15,722 with the rest of the night watchmen being paid Ksh9,672.

Interior Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo addressing a group of security officers on August 11, 2023

KNA

Machine Attendants

The category is broad and covers sawmill sawyer, machine assistant, mass production mechanist and shoe cutter. 

Bakery worker and their assistants as well as tailors assistants are also placed in this category. 

The salary is Ksh17,729, Ksh16,033 and Ksh12,995 for workers in cities, former municipalities and the rest of the country respectively. 

Machinist

Workers under this category are shoe upper preparers, chaplis makers, vehicle service workers (petrol and service stations), bakery plant hands, laundry operators, junior clerks and wheel tractor drivers. 

Hourly rates for those working in the cities, the hourly rates are Ksh176 which translate to a monthly wage of Ksh19,668. 

The salary is Ksh18,399 and Ksh15,043 for those working in the former municipalities and other parts of the country respectively. 

Print operators

Workers in this category are split into; Printing machine operators, bakery machine operators, plywood machine operators, sawmill dressers and shop assistants. 

Others include machine tool operators, dough makers, table hand bakers or confectioners, copy typists, and drivers (cars and light vans). 

The Kenya government dictates a payment of Ksh20,517, Ksh18,936 and Ksh15,652 for those working in cities, former municipalities and the rest of the country.

Designers 

The category encompasses pattern designer (draughts-man), garment and dress cutter, single-hand oven man, charge-hand baker general clerk, telephone operator receptionist, and storekeeper. 

Those working in the city earn a sizeable sum of Ksh23,413 per month with those working in all former municipalities and town councils of Mavoko, Ruiru and Limuru taking home Ksh18,936. 

For the rest of the country, the Ministry of Labour dictates a minimum wage of Ksh18,251.

Tailors and Drivers (medium-sized vehicles)

It is against the law to pay workers in this cluster less than Ksh25,804, Ksh23,716 and Ksh21,147 for workers in cities, former municipalities and the rest of the country respectively. 

Saw doctor and building caretakers

This is the first category of low-income earners to earn more than Ksh30,000 basic salary.

The salary is divided into Ksh31,525, Ksh29,437 and Ksh27,423 for the city, former municipalities and the rest of the country workers respectively.

An image of rental apartments in Ngara, Nairobi.

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Rent in Kenya

Cashier, Driver (Heavy Commercial Vehicles) and Salees-man Driver

The daily rate for those working in Nairobi, Kisumu, Mombasa and Naivasha cities is Ksh1,651 translating to Ksh34,302 per month. 

Those working in all former municipalities and town councils of Mavoko, Ruiru and Limuru earn Ksh32,280 with the rest earning Ksh30,266 per month. 

Artisans

This category is divided into Ungraded Artisans, Grade 1, 2 and 3 Artisans. 

Again, the workers are divided into tier 1 (cities), tier 2 ( all former municipalities and town councils of Mavoko, Ruiru and Limuru) and tier 3 (rest of the country). 

From top tier to bottom, ungraded artisans earn Ksh20,517, Ksh18,936 and Ksh15,652. 

Artisan Grade 3 gets paid Ksh25,804, Ksh23,716 and Ksh21,107 for tiers 1, 2 and 3 respectively. 

For Grade 2 artisans, the salary is Ksh27,870, Ksh26,579 and Ksh23,988 for cities, former municipalities and the rest of the country respectively. 

If you are a Grade 1 artisan, you will earn Ksh34,302 working in Nairobi and other cities and Ksh32,280 working in all former municipalities and town councils of Mavoko, Ruiru and Limuru. 

Grade 1 artisans working elsewhere in the country get paid Ksh30,266 monthly minimum wage. 

A Jua Kali artisan at work

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The government has set a limit on the benefits Kenyans with chronic illnesses can access in the new package established under the Social Health Insurance Fund Scheme.

According to the Social Health Insurance (General) Regulations, 2024, a patient can exhaust the funds limit set when accessing the package.

However, the regulations stipulate that the said patient will transition to the benefits under the Emergency, Chronic and Critical Illness Fund.

This means that Kenyans with chronic illnesses whose benefits under the Social Health Fund package are depleted will still be catered for by the government.

President William Ruto (right) holds the umbrella for Health CS Susan Nakhumicha while making their way to Syokimau, Machakos County on November 22, 2023.

PCS

"A beneficiary suffering from a chronic illness shall, upon exhaustion of his or her benefits under the Social Health Insurance Fund, access treatment for the chronic illness from a contracted healthcare provider or health facility in accordance with the benefits package provided, to be paid for under the Emergency, Chronic and Critical Illness Fund," read part of the regulations.

Through the SHIF scheme, the government repealed the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) and established three new funds; Primary Healthcare Fund, Social Health Insurance Fund and Emergency Chronic and Critical Illness Fund.

The primary Healthcare Fund will purchase services from health facilities at levels 1 to 3 while the Social Health Insurance Fund will cover services at levels 4 to 6.

The Emergency, Chronic and Critical Illness Fund will handle emergency and chronic illnesses costs once the Social Health Insurance Fund is depleted.

According to Clause 27 (5) of the Regulations, emergency medical treatment includes pre-hospital care, stabilisation of the health status of the individual and arrangements for referral to health facilities that can stabilise the health status of a victim.

Some of these medical emergencies include cardiac arrest, major trauma resulting from life-threatening injuries, unconsciousness, severe respiratory distress, seizures, acute coronary syndrome or chest pains.

Others include stroke, pregnancy-related complications and ambulance and evacuation services.

For instance, a person who suffers from cardiac arrest will access services such as blood sugar test, blood gas analysis, point-of-care ultrasound, electrocardiogram, chest X-ray, full hemogram, electrolytes, and urine pregnancy test.

The healthcare provider will perform resuscitation, pacing, chest tube insertion and Intensive Care Unit (ICU) admission for 24 hours if need be.

Once a patient is catered for, a healthcare provider lodges a claim with the Claims Management Office for the payment of the healthcare services provided under the benefits package.

"Provided that the payments by the Authority for the provision of emergency services shall be made to a licensed and certified healthcare provider or health facility in accordance with the benefits package," read part of the regulations.

President William Ruto speaking at State House, Nairobi during the 10th Inter-Governmental Summit on December 18, 2023.

PCS

On September 22, 2023, the Supreme Court pronounced itself on the difference between an allotment letter and a title deed, this was during the delivery of a verdict in the Torino Enterprises Limited Vs Attorney General, Petition Number 5 (E006) of 2022.

In its ruling, the court noted that an allotment letter was not a valid title deed. The court further stated that an allottee cannot transfer a valid title to property unless they acquire a Title Deed through registration

Many people have mistakenly relied on letters of allotment as proof of ownership when purchasing property because they all bear almost similar details to those in the title deed, and due to this, it's important to understand the distinction.

Photo of Letter of Allotment

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Landev

Allotment Letter

It is issued by the National Lands Commission which presides over land allocation.

An allotment letter is a document issued by a property owner to a buyer, confirming the allocation of a specific property within a development. 

It's an initial document that outlines the terms and conditions of the property purchase, and it serves as proof of intent to transfer ownership.

Additionally, it includes the name of the person or entity being allotted the land, as well as any terms and conditions, including restrictions or specific use requirements.

Title Deed

It's a legal document that proves your ownership of a piece of land or property.

It includes detailed information about the property, including its boundaries, size, and the owner's particulars.

Owning a title deed means you have complete ownership of the land and the title deed can be provided in court to prove ownership.

It comes after the issuance of the letter of allotment.

Share Certificate

Share certificates are typically associated with ownership in companies and cooperatives.

They represent your ownership stake in these entities, which may own or manage the property. Share Certificates are issued to shareholders and signify their rights and interests in the company or cooperative.

Always make sure you follow the necessary steps to secure your title deed and protect your property.

A photo of a Share Certificate

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Landev

Non-salaried Kenyans will be granted access to loans by the government to pay for the mandatory Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF).

The draft Social Health Insurance (General) Regulations, 2024, requires all Kenyans to pay for the SHIF, whether employed or not, to enable universal health access.

In the new regulations, salaried Kenyans will be required to pay 2.75 per cent of their monthly gross income.

On the other hand, unemployed Kenyans will be required to offset 2.75 per cent on an annual basis.

A photo of President William Ruto at his office

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To cushion the unemployed Kenyans, the government will offer loans to assist them in paying their annual contributions.

Kenyans.co.ke unravels the details behind the loan scheme.

How Does it Work?

The Social Health Authority (SHA) will collaborate with the Ministry of Co-operatives, Micro, Small, and Medium-sized Enterprises (MSMEs) and other financial institutions to provide loans to unemployed Kenyans.

This will help them pay their yearly contributions when their income is available.

The money paid on behalf of a contributor shall be remitted directly to the Social Health Authority (SHA).

Which Financing Institutions are Eligible?

The Authority will inform the members of the public on the premium financing products and the institutions listed.

How Will They Access the Health Cover?

The unemployed Kenyans will be required to pay for the insurance for a year before accessing the health cover.

What are the terms for repaying the loan?

Non-salaried Kenyans will be required to pay the amount 14 days before the lapse of the annual contributions of the beneficiary.

The interest rate for the loan has, however, not been specified.

President William Ruto (centre) and Health CS Susan Nakhumicha tour the Mission for Essential Drugs and supplies’ (MEDS) Microbiology Laboratory in Syokimau, Machakos County, on November 22, 2023.

PCS

What's the aim?

Through the scheme, the government aims to deter anti-selection.

Anti-selection is a process whereby individuals make payments to the insurance fund when they think their health risk is higher and neglect it when they are healthy.

According to the Ministry of Health, this was one of the major challenges facing the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF).

In this case, non-salaried contributors made payments at least three months when they required a major medical need such as surgery and stopped paying after their needs were met.

Through the new scheme, the government aims to seal the loophole. 

On January 15, President William Ruto’s Cabinet opened doors for Kenyans who have never attended classes to acquire professional certificates after approving the policy on Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL). 

RPL is the process of identifying, assessing and certifying knowledge, skills and attitudes regardless of how, when or where learning occurred. 

The RPL certificate is only awarded by institutions that have been certified by the Kenya National Qualifications Authority (KNQA). 

Currently, KNQA only offers certifications to four categories of institutions which have also been accredited by the Ministry of Education. 

President William Ruto chairing a Cabinet meeting at State House on January 15, 2024

PCS

Institutions Qualified to offer RPL certificates

All Kenyan universities formed under regulations set by the University Act no 42 of 2012 are eligible to offer RPL certificates upon certification. Currently, Kenya has 35 public universities.

National polytechnics in Kenya can also receive a legal order to offer RPL certificates. 

There are currently 11 national polytechnics in Kenya which include; Kabete, Eldoret, Nyeri, Meru, Kisumu and Kitale national polytechnics. 

Others include; North Eastern, Sigalagala, Kisii, Kenya Coast, and Nyandarua national polytechnics. 

Institutions Under Government Ministries

The third category of schools that can offer RPL certificates include institutions under Government Ministries with a legal order to award qualifications. 

Under this category, the National Industrial Training Authority (NITA) is at the forefront of offering RPL certificates.

Currently, NITA has training centres in Nairobi, Mombasa, Kisumu, and Athi River. 

“Institutions established by an Act of Parliament to develop and award qualifications,” KNQA explains the fourth category allowed to offer the certificates. 

Apart from the Kenyan-based institutions, foreign institutions accredited in their home countries as qualification awarding institutions can be certified by KNQA to offer RPL certificates to Kenyan citizens. 

University of Nairobi students at a graduation ceremony in December 2019.

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UoN

From time to time, motorists often find themselves purchasing second-hand vehicles as per their budget, choice and preferences.

Despite concerns about the quality and reliability of used cars, the robust market for spare parts and repair services helps to address and mitigate these issues, ensuring that second-hand vehicles remain a practical and popular choice for motorists.

Official data from the Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) reveals that a total of 62,495 vehicles were exported to Kenya in the 12 months leading to June 2023.

The majority of small businesses and households account for the biggest buyers of used cars, showing the viability of the market.

A screenshot showing the NTSA services on the eCitizen platform.

Kenyans.co.ke

To register the vehicles, they will need to use the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) self-service portal on the eCitizen platform.

This was in line with President William Ruto's clarion call for all government services to be integrated into a uniform platform for ease of accountability and transparency.

Kenyans.co.ke takes a step-by-step guide on how to register for Second-hand vehicles using the platform:

Log in using serviceportal.ntsa.go.ke

The link will take you to the eCitizen platform, where your ID number and password credentials are required.

A verification email is sent to either the email or phone contact you registered with as per the two-factor authentication process.

You are taken to the home page of the eCitizen account, which lists over 5,000 services from various Ministries, Counties, Departments and Agencies.

Scroll down to the NTSA platform (New).

After logging in, you will be directed to the dashboard which includes the services, application history, driving points and driving experience.

Click the 'services' tab, and choose Second Hand Vehicle Registration from the list of services.

You will be required to fill in four different sections; General Information, Owners, Collection and Attachments.

On the General Information, key in the expected location of the vehicle in terms of County and Sub County.

Fill in the vehicle details such as the condition of the vehicle, make of the vehicle, model, customs entry number, chassis number, body type, fuel type, and transmission type.

Other details to be filled in include driver side, rating (cc), tare weight, year of manufacture, number of axles, number plate, border point, customs office, trade movement, customs value and vehicle use.

After filling in the tab, you will be directed to attach documents indicating ownership of the vehicle. Click submit. 

A photo of the new National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) portal.

Kenyans.co.ke