Kisumu: The National government, through the Office of the Attorney General (OAG), has launched legal aid centers aimed at enhancing pro bono legal representation for children in conflict with the law. These centers have been established in all 47 counties to offer free legal assistance to juvenile offenders.
According to Kenya News Agency, Attorney General Dorcas Oduor emphasized the government’s commitment to safeguarding the legal rights of young offenders. Oduor stated that as the protector of human rights and justice, the government must ensure children and young people who commit offenses are supported to fully exercise their legal rights. Her remarks were made during the Huduma Mashinani outreach program at Kanyateng’ Primary School in Nyakach Sub-county, Kisumu County.
Oduor, with 33 years of experience in criminal law, highlighted the struggles children face in the justice system. She confirmed that the OAG is dedicated to providing free legal aid to all children charged with offenses. State Councils across the counties have been instructed to offer this support, aiming to uphold social justice, human rights, and child protection.
The initiative is designed to influence the future of young offenders by determining their trial processes, incarceration conditions, rehabilitation opportunities, and post-imprisonment life paths. Oduor expressed the desire for children to avoid jail and be given a second chance to contribute to national development.
Additionally, the initiative ensures that children are well-informed about their legal rights, receive timely advice, and are supported throughout their interactions with the justice system. This empowerment is intended to help them make informed decisions regarding their legal representation.
The Attorney General also reiterated the government’s dedication to aiding underserved communities and vulnerable groups, including orphans, women, and widows, in accessing necessary legal services such as Letters of Administration, Probate, and Estate Administration.
Oduor cautioned widows against selling property while managing estates, stressing that they must protect their children’s futures. The OAG plans to train widows to uphold their responsibilities as custodians of their children’s interests while managing the estates of the deceased.
