The Solicitor General of the Republic of Kenya Shadrack J. Moses opened new Office of the Attorney General in Wajir County as the government embarked on decentralization of legal services across the country.
Speaking at the inauguration ceremony Mose emphasized the importance of the Office of the Attorney General as the Principal Legal Advisor to the Government, with a focus on enhancing access to justice for all Kenyans.
He said the office, established under Article 156 of the Constitution, will also offer legal aid services to the public, in line with its constitutional mandate.
“Wajir is the first county of the expected 15 new county offices we plan to open, a demonstration of our commitment to bringing justice closer to the people,” he said.
“The decentralization of legal services ensures that citizens no longer need to travel long distances for essential services, saving both time and resources,” he added.
The Solicitor General stated that the Wajir office marks the 14th county office to be opened by the Office of the Attorney General, with an additional 14 offices set to open in other counties beginning in January 2025.
He said the newly inaugurated office will provide various services, including Civil Litigation, Public Trustee, Marriage Registrations, and Legal Aid Services.
Mose also detailed the core services available at the new office, highlighting departments such as the Civil Litigation Department, which represents the National Government in legal matters, the Registrar General, which manages civil marriage records, and the National Legal Aid Services, which provides free legal assistance to those in need.
The Solicitor General encouraged members of the public to engage with the office and take advantage of the services on offer.
He also expressed his gratitude to the local government and leaders for their ongoing support in ensuring the success of the decentralization initiative.
Mose reaffirmed the Office of the Attorney General’s commitment to serving the people of Wajir and Kenya at large with professionalism and integrity, ensuring that justice is accessible to all.
He reiterated the government’s dedication to upholding the principles of fairness, equality, and justice, which are foundational to the country’s democratic values.
The inauguration of the Wajir office is part of an ongoing effort to make legal services more accessible to all Kenyans, reinforcing the government’s pledge to uphold the rule of law across the nation.
The event, held at the ICT Hall of Wajir County Government, was attended by local leaders, government officials, and stakeholders from across the region.
By Hamdi Buthul
