HOPE ON WHEELS: AG ODUOR ’s MOBILE LEGAL AID UNITS SET TO BRING FREE SUPPORT TO REMOTE COMMUNITIES.
By Aoma Keziah.
A quiet but meaningful shift in Kenya’s justice system began on Monday as Attorney General Dorcas Agik Oduor introduced a fleet of mobile centers created to offer legal support to people who rarely set foot inside a courtroom or law office. The project, developed with backing from Bangbet, aims to make legal assistance easier to access for families in isolated villages and crowded informal settlements.
Crowds formed early at the launch site, curious to see how the centers would work. The containers, newly painted and neatly arranged, carry simple layouts. Inside are soundproof corners for private talks, a small workspace for documentation, and equipment that links users to online hearings. The design allows people to speak freely without feeling intimidated by formal offices.
“The initiative grew from countless stories of children, widows, older persons and persons with disabilities who needed help but had nowhere to turn. Justice should not depend on distance or wealth, and that the country must do more to ensure every voice is heard,” stated Oduor.
Bangbet took charge of the technical side, financing the refurbishment and providing tools needed to run the units. Their team said the project aligns with their belief that strong communities start with informed and empowered citizens. They emphasized that their contribution is not about publicity, but about solving a real problem that affects many.
As the first center prepares to begin its rounds in Machakos, legal officers have already mapped out areas where demand is highest. The plan is to visit markets, churches, chiefs’ camps and local gatherings so that residents can find help without losing a day’s work or spending money they do not have.
If the pilot performs well, the programme will expand to other counties, supported by volunteer advocates and officers from the State Law Office.
For many who attended the launch, the message was simple: justice should be close, approachable and grounded in everyday life. With these mobile units, that hope may finally be within reach.
