The Office of the Attorney General and Department of Justice inaugurated its Wajir office on 19th December 2024 in line with the Cabinet approval issued on 27th June 2023. This is in line with article 6(3) of the Constitution of Kenya which requires all national State organs to decentralize their services to all parts of the Country to ensure services were reasonably accessible to all Kenyans.
The opening of the Wajir office brings to 14 so far the number of decentralized County Offices with 14 more to be opened beginning January 2025.Services to be provided by these offices include, Civil Litigation, Public Trustee, Marriages and Legal Aid Services. Inauguration of the Wajir office was officiated by the Solicitor General of the Republic of Kenya Hon. Shadrack J. Mose.
Speaking during the inauguration, Hon. Mose emphasized the importance of the Office of the Attorney General in the operations of government services 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 government’s commitment to bringing justice closer to the people,” Hon. Mose 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 newly established offices will provide various services, including Civil Litigation, Public Trustee, Marriage Registrations, and Legal Aid Services.
Hon. 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.
Decentralization of services aims to ensure services are brought closer to the people while being more responsive to the specific needs of the community by enabling more timely and service delivery. This will also reduce long distance travel costs and time in search of services.
He called on 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.
Hon. 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.
