European Union Partners with National Legal Aid Service to Boost Justice Access in Kenya

NAIROBI — In a significant move to enhance the delivery and accessibility of justice throughout Kenya, the European Union, in partnership with the National Legal Aid Service (NLAS), has contributed twelve vehicles to the nation. This donation comes under the Legal Empowerment and Aid Delivery (PLEAD) program, initiated by the EU in 2020 to address challenges related to justice access.

According to Kenya News Agency, Justin Muturi, this initiative represents a crucial step towards facilitating public access to social justice, especially for marginalized and vulnerable groups as outlined by the country’s Constitution. The contribution aims to improve public service accessibility in various counties, including Wajir, Mandera, Lamu, Tana River, Garissa, Marsabit, Isiolo, Kisumu, Nairobi, Mombasa, Uasin Gishu, and Nakuru. Muturi emphasized that the NLAS is expanding its services to cover all 47 counties in Kenya.

The Attorney General further highlighted the collaborative effort between NLAS and the EU to ensure that justice reaches marginalized communities, thus promoting awareness and social justice across the country.

Henriette Geiger, the EU Ambassador to Kenya, underscored the significance of this initiative, noting that the EU has invested 70 million euros in the PLEAD program, marking it as the largest investment in justice sector reform by the EU in Sub-Saharan Africa. Geiger emphasized the importance of equal justice for all citizens and encouraged NLAS to utilize the vehicles effectively to extend justice services throughout Kenya.

Shadrack Mose, Kenya’s Solicitor General, commended the NLAS for its significant achievements under the program and expressed his gratitude for witnessing this milestone. He remarked that this initiative aligns with the government’s goals of transforming lives through legal empowerment. Mose called for continued partnership between the EU and NLAS to extend the program’s reach, ensuring that the impact is felt across the entire nation.

Mose assured that the Office of the Attorney General would support the maintenance of the vehicles, ensuring their effectiveness in enhancing the lives of Kenyans through improved access to legal services.