The Office of Attorney-General and Department of Justice

Happy Madaraka Day to all Kenyans. May this day inspire us to embrace unity, patriotism, integrity and service to our nation as we work together towards a more just, inclusive and prosperous Kenya.

Hon. Dorcas Oduor, EGH.
The Attorney General

STATEMENT BY THE HON. ATTORNEY GENERAL FOLLOWING THE FIRE INCIDENT AT UTUMISHI GIRLS ACADEMY

The Attorney General Hon. Dorcas Oduor, EGH, expresses deep sorrow and profound sadness following the tragic fire outbreak reported at Utumishi Girls Academy in Gilgil, Nakuru County, which has resulted in the loss of young lives and injuries to students.

Preliminary reports indicate that the fire broke out in a school dormitory during the early hours of Thursday morning, prompting emergency response efforts by relevant authorities and humanitarian agencies.

The Attorney General conveys heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families, the school community, students, teachers, staff, and all those affected by this devastating incident. She further wishes a quick recovery to the injured students currently receiving medical attention.

This heartbreaking tragedy serves as a painful reminder of the need to strengthen safety measures, preparedness, and emergency response systems within our learning institutions to safeguard the wellbeing and future of our children.

The Hon. Attorney General commends the swift response by emergency teams, including firefighters, medical personnel, security agencies, and humanitarian responders, who continue to support rescue, treatment, and recovery efforts on the ground.

As investigations into the cause of the fire commence, the Attorney General calls for a thorough, transparent, and expeditious inquiry to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident and ensure appropriate action is taken.

During this difficult moment, the nation stands in solidarity with the affected families and the entire Utumishi Girls Academy fraternity. May the departed souls rest in eternal peace.

Today, the Attorney General Hon. Dorcas Oduor, EGH, attended a meeting of the National Council on the Administration of Justice (NCAJ) at Safari Park Hotel, presided over by Chief Justice Martha Koome.

The high-level engagement convened leaders and key stakeholders from across the justice sector to deliberate on priority issues affecting the administration of justice and the delivery of justice services in the country. Among those in attendance were , PS Correctiona Services Dr. Salome Biacco, Hon. Carren Agengo, the PS for Children Affairs, the Law Society of Kenya President, Mr. Charles Kanjama alongside senior officials drawn from various justice sector institutions.

The meeting underscored the importance of sustained inter-agency collaboration, institutional coordination, and collective action in addressing emerging challenges within the justice sector. Discussions focused on strengthening partnerships among institutions, promoting access to justice, enhancing accountability, and advancing reforms aimed at improving efficiency and responsiveness in service delivery.

The NCAJ continues to serve as a critical platform for fostering cooperation among justice sector actors in the pursuit of a more effective, accessible, and people-centred justice system.

Earlier today, the Marriage Department held an impromptu consultative meeting with ten licensed Ministers of Faith from the Salvation Army Eastern Territory, who paid a courtesy call to the department.

The engagement provided an opportunity for fruitful discussions on matters relating to marriage registration, compliance, and service delivery. The department expressed its appreciation for the ministers’ continued commitment and invaluable support in the discharge of their mandate as agents of the Registrar.

The meeting underscored the importance of collaboration between the Office of the Attorney General and licensed Ministers of Faith in ensuring efficient, accessible, and lawful marriage services to the public.

The department remains grateful for their dedication and partnership in upholding the integrity of marriage registration processes.

The Attorney General, Hon.Dorcas Oduor, EGH, today hosted Dr. Kamau Thugge, CBS, Governor of the Central Bank of Kenya, who paid a courtesy call at her office.

The discussions centered on matters of mutual interest, with emphasis on strengthening institutional collaboration in advancing sound governance, economic stability and the rule of law. The engagement reaffirmed the critical role of inter-agency cooperation in promoting accountability, public confidence and efficient service delivery.

During the visit, Dr. Thugge also toured the VVIP Marriage Room and the newly established Training Chambers, initiatives aimed at enhancing service delivery and institutional capacity within the Office of the Attorney General.

The meeting underscored the shared commitment by both institutions to supporting Kenya’s development agenda through effective policy and governance frameworks.

The Attorney General Hon. Dorcas Oduor, EGH, today presided over the GIZ Strengthening Good Governance (GoGo) Programme Review Meeting held at the Sankara Hotel in Westlands, Nairobi. The meeting brought together key stakeholders and development partners to review progress made in advancing governance reforms aimed at strengthening accountability, transparency and institutional effectiveness in Kenya.

Speaking during the meeting, the Attorney General emphasized that the governance reforms being implemented under the programme are anchored on the Constitution of Kenya 2010, Vision 2030, the Fourth Medium Term Plan, and Kenya’s international obligations under the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the United Nations Convention Against Corruption (UNCAC).

Hon. Oduor reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to strengthening public accountability systems, combating corruption, enhancing public financial management and promoting transparency across both national and county governments. She noted that the programme continues to support key initiatives including the drafting of the Whistleblower Protection Bill, the Anti-Corruption Laws (Amendment) Bill, implementation of the electronic government procurement system, and efforts aimed at improving beneficial ownership transparency.

The Attorney General further called on implementing partners and stakeholders to remain committed to ensuring that governance reforms translate into tangible benefits for citizens through efficient service delivery, stronger institutions and increased public trust. She also emphasized the need to sustain reforms beyond the programme period and strengthen institutional resilience ahead of the 2027 election cycle.

Also present were Mr. Matt Bruc, Director for Governance and Macroeconomics for the European Union Delegation to Kenya; the GIZ Country Director Mr. Bodo Immink; Mr. Thomas Ansorg, GIZ Cluster Director – Governance, Peace and Security; Heads of implementing partner institutions at the national and county levels; senior State Counsels from the State Department for Justice; officers from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI); representatives from the Business Registration Service (BRS), the Asset Recovery Agency, the State Department for Devolution and the Office of the Auditor General, among other stakeholders.

Today, the Attorney General Hon. Dorcas Oduor, EGH, presided over the 58th National Coordinating Committee (NCC) Meeting held at the KICC, where stakeholders from various sectors convened to deliberate on strengthening integrity systems, promoting accountability and enhancing the fight against corruption.

In her remarks, the Attorney General underscored the importance of collective responsibility, institutional collaboration and regional partnerships in advancing good governance and ethical leadership. She noted that Kenya continues to make significant strides in strengthening anti-corruption frameworks through coordinated reforms, policy implementation and enhanced accountability mechanisms.

She further highlighted the role of the Kenya Leadership Integrity Forum (KLIF) in fostering stakeholder engagement and promoting a unified national approach towards integrity, transparency and public trust. The Attorney General reiterated the Government’s commitment to sustaining reforms aimed at improving service delivery and reinforcing the country’s governance structures.

The meeting also provided an opportunity for engagement and knowledge exchange between Kenya and South Africa on best practices in combating corruption and strengthening institutional integrity systems.

Among those present were the Director General of the Presidency and Secretary of the Cabinet of the Republic of South Africa, Ms. Phindile Baleni; the Auditor General, Nancy Gathungu; Principal Secretary for , Hon. Judith Pareno; EACC Chairperson and NCC Alternate Chairperson Dr. David Oginde; Executive Director of Transparency International Kenya Ms. Sheila Masinde; EACC Secretary/Chief Executive Officer Mr. Abdi A. Mohamud, EBS, MBS; EACC Commissioners, Chief Executive Officers and Heads of Institutions.

This morning, the Attorney General, Hon Dorcas Oduor, EGH, alongside the Solicitor General, Hon.Shadrack Mose, CBS, received the President of the Court of Appeal Justice Daniel Musinga who paid a courtesy call at the AG's office in a meeting that reaffirmed the longstanding cooperation and mutual commitment between the Office of the Attorney General and the Judiciary in promoting the rule of law and safeguarding constitutional governance.

The discussions focused on strengthening institutional collaboration, enhancing efficiency in the administration of justice, and fostering closer coordination on matters of national legal importance. The leaders emphasized the critical role of strong institutions in advancing good governance, accountability, and access to justice for all Kenyans.

During the visit, the delegation toured the Married Room and the newly refurbished Training Centre, where they received briefings on ongoing initiatives geared towards capacity building, professional excellence, and improved service delivery within the justice sector.

The engagement reflects the continued dedication of Kenya’s legal and judicial institutions to work together in strengthening the country’s justice system and delivering responsive, effective, and people-centred services.

Today, the Attorney General Hon. Dorcas Oduor, EGH, joined H.E. the President William Samoei Ruto Ruto, senior government officials, members of the Judiciary and the legal fraternity at State House for the swearing-in of a Supreme Court Judge and the conferment of Senior Counsel status.

The ceremony marked a significant milestone in strengthening the administration of justice and upholding the rule of law in the country.

Amongst those sworn in was Justice Mohamed Abdullahi Warsame, who officially took oath as the 14th Judge of the Supreme Court of Kenya.

The conferment of Senior Counsel status also recognized distinguished advocates for their exemplary service, contribution to the legal profession and commitment to justice.

Also present during the ceremony were Deputy President Prof. Kithure Kindiki, Chief Justice Martha Koome, senior members of the Executive and Judiciary, as well as leaders from the legal fraternity.

The event underscored the continued collaboration between institutions in advancing constitutionalism, justice and good governance in Kenya.

The Attorney General Hon Dorcas Oduor, EGH is currently in the United Republic of Tanzania attending the State Visit by H.E. the President William Samoei Ruto.

The visit brings together senior government officials and stakeholders in a continued effort to strengthen bilateral relations between the two countries.

The Attorney General is participating in key engagements aimed at enhancing cooperation in legal affairs, governance, and regional integration, while also supporting initiatives that promote trade, investment, and cross-border collaboration.

This engagement reaffirms the strong and longstanding partnership between the two nations, anchored on mutual respect, shared values, and a common commitment to advancing socio-economic development across the region.