Date: Thu, Sep 12, 2013 at 7:05 AM
Subject: Kenya lawyers
To: jaluo jaluo@jaluo.com

KENYA LWAYERS TO OFFER FREE LEGAL SERVICES
By Agwanda Saye
Over 6,000 lawyers countrywide will offer free legal services towards creating public awareness from September 23.

The Law Society of Kenya (LSK) Secretary/CEO Mr. Apollo Mboya said that 6,209 Advocates with valid practicing certificates will offer pro bono (free) services during the annual LSK Legal Aid Week.

“The Lawyers will offer the free services to the public between September 23 and September 27, 2013 at LSK Branches countrywide,” Mr. Mboya said.

The LSK CEO said that Attorney General (AG) Prof Githu Muigai will launch the legal awareness week on September 23 at the Milimani Law Courts Parking yard. The theme of the legal week is Access to Justice through Pro Bono Representation.

“It is important for the public to know their rights to justice and fundamental rights as enshrined in Chapter Four of the Constitution,” Mr. Mboya said. The lawyers will advise the public on all aspects of law.

Mr. Mboya said that lawyers in Nairobi will be advising clients at the Milimani Law courts Parking Yard. “We shall inform the public the venues in other counties in due course,” The CEO said.

He said that the right to legal representation is provided for in the Constitution, which the public must be aware of. He said that Article 159 of the supreme law provided for traditional dispute resolution mechanisms, which many are not aware of.

“We urge the public – especially those who cannot afford legal services – to turn up for free legal advice,” Mr. Mboya said.

Mr. Mboya said that the objective of the Legal Awareness Week is to promote the mandate of the LSK by extending legal literacy and awareness to members of the public. “We will also advise the public on various aspects of the law and civic education,” Mr. Mboya said.

The CEO said that LSK branches countrywide shall also offer the pro bono services and coordinate their activities at branch level.

Mr. Mboya said that organizations involved in legal work will also be given a chance to show-case their services with a view to promoting a better understanding to the public of the role lawyers play in the advancement of legal literacy and advocacy.

Ends