[ Legal Aid ]
Legal Aid Directory
Free and low-cost legal help is available across Kenya. Use this guide to understand who qualifies, where to call, and how to find providers near you — online or via USSD option 3.
What is legal aid?
Legal aid provides free or low-cost legal advice and representation to people who cannot afford a private lawyer.
- NLAS (0800720640) is Kenya's official state legal aid service under the Legal Aid Act 2016.
- NGOs such as Kituo Cha Sheria and FIDA Kenya offer clinics and helplines nationwide.
- Services include advice, court representation, and referrals.
- Most helplines are toll-free from any mobile network.
Who qualifies?
Legal aid is intended for people who cannot pay for private legal services.
- You cannot afford to hire a lawyer on your own.
- Your matter involves family, land, criminal, or human rights issues.
- You are vulnerable — including children, detainees, and GBV survivors.
- Apply through NLAS, Kituo Cha Sheria, or a local legal aid clinic.
Find help near you
Dial *789*977888# option 3 to search providers by county and case type, or call these toll-free numbers.
- Nairobi, Mombasa, Kisumu, and Nakuru providers are listed in our USSD directory.
- For other counties, USSD sends a full provider list by SMS.
- Family matters — FIDA Kenya (0800720501).
- General and criminal matters — Kituo Cha Sheria (0800720529) or NLAS (0800720640).
Toll-free helplines
- NLAS (State Legal Aid)0800720640
- Kituo Cha Sheria0800720529
- FIDA Kenya0800720501
Learn more
- Kenya Law
Constitution, statutes, and Kenyan legal resources.
- Kituo Cha Sheria
Legal aid, human rights support, and community clinics.
- NCAJ — Bail & Bond
National Council on the Administration of Justice bail guidance.
Access via USSD
Dial *789*977888# from any phone. Choose the relevant menu option for a summary on screen and detailed links sent to your phone by SMS.