EU pumps Sh850m to support needy access justice through NLAS
The European Union has so far pumped Sh850 million to support the poor and vulnerable to access justice through the National Legal Aid Service (NLAS) in the country.
Head of Section Governance and Macroeconomics, European Union delegation to Kenya Alexandre Baron said the programme is targeting mostly the marginalised and vulnerable citizens to access lawyers and fair trial.
According to Baron, more than three million Kenyans are unable to afford legal fees making it difficult for them to access justice.
Baron was speaking during the commemoration of the inaugural National Legal Aid day and opening of the NLAS North Rift chapter in Eldoret town, Uasin Gishu county.
He said that the EU through NLAS aims to bridge the gap between the fortunate and the less fortunate in society in access to justice.
“Our main goal is to enhance access to justice among the marginalized and vulnerable groups in the society with a view to restore public confidence in the judicial system in the country,” said Baron.
He expressed optimism that the investments which the EU has put into the programme will increase the number of the vulnerable groups that are getting access to justice in remote areas.
Baron averred that the EU was committed to continue supporting the judiciary in its efforts to enhance access to justice in remote parts of the country through the National Legal Aid Service.
“There is an urgent need to enhance equality in access to justice among the vulnerable groups if we expect them to have confidence in the judiciary system,” he added.
Baron challenged the government channel more resources towards the NLAS in a bid to ensure that its vision and mission is achieved for the benefit of the targeted citizens.
