08/10/2026
The Transition Implementation Committee on Pauper Briefs and Pro Bono Services has commenced public participation and sensitization ahead of the full transfer of the scheme from the Judiciary to the National Legal Aid Service (NLAS), anticipated in January 2027.
The forums kicked off yesterday at the Nairobi Branch, with the participation of Branch Council Members Netia Opisa, Ivysharon Kirui and David Mwangi, alongside practising advocates, representatives of the Judiciary, NLAS , representatives from the Civil Society , the public and the Law Society of Kenya.
Participants from Transition Implementation Committee; included Hon. Pauline Mbulikah, Chairperson; Ms. Teresia Wavinya, Vice President of the Law Society of Kenya; Ms. Fresiah Githumbi, Acting Chief Executive Officer of NLAS; Mr. Wycliffe Oyoo, LSK Nairobi Representative; and other members of the Committee.
The discussions addressed the rationale for the transition, NLAS’s mandate, anticipated changes in service delivery, and stakeholders’ responsibilities during and after the handover.
In her opening remarks, LSK Vice President Teresia Wavinya emphasized that continuity of legal representation and the welfare of advocates must remain central to the transition. She called for clear procedures for administering and allocating briefs, uninterrupted handling of ongoing matters, and timely access to information for advocates and beneficiaries.
The Vice President further underscored the need to settle outstanding claims, establish a transparent and predictable payment framework, and provide commensurate remuneration for advocates undertaking briefs under the scheme.
She also reiterated concerns regarding the proposed accreditation fees and an additional disciplinary framework for participating advocates. She noted that these matters had previously been raised before the Committee and it was resolved to be omitted necessitating an amendment to the Legal Aid Act.
Over the next three weeks, the Committee will visit the other LSK branches to sensitize members, receive their views and address practical concerns ahead of implementation.
The engagements seek to support a coordinated and workable transition