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{
    "id": 617774,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/617774/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 224,
    "type": "speech",
    "speaker_name": "Hon. (Ms.) Kanyua",
    "speaker_title": "",
    "speaker": {
        "id": 981,
        "legal_name": "Priscilla Nyokabi Kanyua",
        "slug": "priscilla-nyokabi-kanyua"
    },
    "content": "Hon. Speaker, it is important for us also to note that the law follows very closely what is happening in our continent, especially in South Africa – which is way ahead on matters of legal aid. A couple of other countries in the region have also passed the Legal Aid Bill. So, Kenya which is a leading democracy in our continent, will be joining the legion of states that have passed this particular law. Those of us who practise law are aware of the practice and the problems of the popus briefs. They have traditionally gone to younger lawyers and given to clients who cannot afford legal fees. Many times, those clients do not get justice. We have been in court where a popus brief lawyer comes with no documents and memorandum of appeal and he attempts to appeal orally. Some come without amendments to any appeals that have been filed. The representation at that level has not been adequate. We want to urge that as the Legal Aid Bill comes to pass, the representation that goes to poor clients must be of sufficient standard. So, regulation and accreditation of the legal aid providers is going to be a very important process. The fact that somebody cannot afford legal fees does not mean that they are entitled to inferior justice. They are entitled to justice nonetheless. So, the scheme will have to ensure that the standards of representation are very high and well maintained, and that the accreditation system works well to ensure that the legal aid providers do a good job as they provide legal aid."
}