Kenya marked a historic moment today as Dorcas Oduor was officially inaugurated as the country’s first female Attorney General in a landmark handover ceremony at Sheria House. The event was officiated by Public Service Cabinet Secretary Justin Muturi, who praised the progress made during his tenure and expressed confidence in Oduor’s ability to continue advancing the Office of the Attorney General (OAG).
CS Muturi highlighted the significant reforms undertaken during his time in office, including the relocation of State Counsel officers to Pension Towers to improve their working conditions. “From my first day in office, I recognized the need for the OAG to be improved. One of the most critical changes was ensuring our officers operate in a conducive and efficient environment,” he noted.
Muturi emphasized the importance of delinking the OAG from other governmental functions to enhance service delivery, a process he began and one he trusts AG Oduor will advance. He underscored the need for continued support to the State Law Office, particularly in preparing the government to effectively handle legal cases. “Proper preparation is required for the Government to win cases, and the State Law Office needs the necessary support to achieve this,” he added.
In her inaugural speech, Attorney General Oduor outlined her vision for further modernizing the OAG. She announced the digitization of the Probate and Administration Department, stating that all records would be archived digitally within two weeks, followed by the digitization of marriage records. “These initiatives will make records easily accessible to all Kenyans,” Oduor affirmed.
She also introduced the “Sheria Space,” a new forum for legal discourse, inviting CS Muturi to be the inaugural guest. This series will begin next Wednesday and continue weekly, fostering greater community engagement in legal matters.
Additionally, Oduor encouraged Heads of Departments to participate in upcoming Open Days every Saturday, aimed at providing free legal aid and addressing case backlogs. This initiative, in collaboration with the Department of Public Trustees, reflects her commitment to enhancing public service within the OAG.
CS Muturi, in his closing remarks, lauded the civil litigation teams for their often-unrecognized efforts in saving the government from significant losses. He also urged the new leadership to appreciate staff who have shown long-term dedication. “The work done by our civil litigation teams often goes unreported, yet their impact is substantial. They are the unsung heroes of our legal system,” he stated.
The ceremony signified a new chapter in Kenya’s legal landscape, with AG Oduor poised to lead continued reforms and modernization efforts, ensuring the OAG remains a cornerstone of justice in the country.
