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.
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.
