7,300 lawyers to offer free legal services on Monday

More than 7,000 lawyers will offer free legal services to the public countrywide from Monday 28th September to 2nd October 2015, says the Law Society of Kenya (LSK).

LSK Chief  Executive Officer Mr. Apollo Mboya said that 7,369 lawyers with valid practising certificates shall offer pro bono (free) services countrywide during the annual LSK Legal Awareness Week under the theme Fostering National Cohesion Through Legal Aid.

Mr. Mboya said: “High Court Principal Judge Justice Richard Mwongo will launch the exercise on Monday, September 28th, 2015 at 9AM at the LSK Parking Yard at the Milimani Law Courts in Nairobi.”

The lawyers shall also offer pro bono services in LSK branches in Mombasa, Kisumu, Eldoret, Nyeri, Meru, Machakos and Nakuru among others.

The areas the lawyers shall offer free legal services in include: land cases, succession, family law, criminal law, employment, accident compensation and refugee protection among others.

“LSK has a mandate to advise and assist members of the legal profession, Government and the public in all matters relating to the administration of justice in Kenya,” Mr. Mboya said.

He said that several other organizations involved in legal work will also be present to showcase their services towards promoting better public understanding of the role lawyers play in the advancement of legal literacy and advocacy.

He added many citizens still cannot access justice despite provisions of Article 48 of the Constitution that the State shall ensure access to justice for all.

“We encourage members of the public to turn up and benefit from free professional advise towards resolving their legal issues,” Mr. Mboya said.

The LSK CEO emphasized on the need for the public to know their fundamental rights as enshrined in Chapter Four of the Constitution.

“The right to legal representation is also provided for in the Constitution, which the public must be aware of,” Mr. Mboya told.