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Get legal aid

Check whether you qualify for assisted legal representation from LSK's legal aid programme. Complete the eligibility check in under two minutes, then submit a request with SMS case tracking.

Eligibility check takes 2 minutes
SMS updates — no internet needed to track
Provided at no cost to eligible applicants
No internet? You can still apply by phone.

Call 0800 720 000 (toll-free) to speak with an LSK legal aid officer, or SMS your name and county to 22300 and we will call you back within one business day.

Check your eligibility

Answer three quick questions to find out whether you are likely to qualify for legal aid. This is not a formal assessment — a case officer will make the final determination.

1What is the nature of your legal matter?
2Can you afford to pay for a private lawyer?
3Are you a Kenyan citizen or legal resident?
You are likely eligible for legal aid

Based on your answers, you appear to meet the basic criteria. Submit a formal request below and a case officer will confirm your eligibility.

You may not qualify for LSK legal aid

Based on your answers, you may not meet the standard criteria. There are other options that may help you.

National Legal Aid Service (NLAS)

The government body providing legal aid for criminal matters. Call 020 271 4940 or visit your nearest NLAS office.

Find a lawyer who offers pro bono work

Some advocates on the LSK directory offer pro bono services for those who cannot afford fees.

Know your rights guides

Free plain-language guides on legal processes and what to do if you cannot afford a lawyer.

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Your situation Your details Documents

Your legal situation

Tell us about the legal matter you need help with. Be as specific as you can — this helps us match you with the right advocate.

Type of legal matter *
Please select the type of legal matter.
Briefly explain what has happened and what legal help you need. You do not need to write in legal language.
0 / 1,500 characters
Please describe your situation (minimum 30 characters).

Your details

We will use these details to reach you by SMS and to assess your application. All information is kept confidential.

Please enter your full name.
This is your primary contact — all SMS updates will be sent here Please enter a valid phone number.
Optional — used if we cannot reach your primary number
Optional — we will primarily contact you by SMS
Please select your county.
This helps us assess financial eligibility. All information is treated confidentially.

Supporting documents

Upload any documents relevant to your legal matter. This is optional — you can still submit without documents, and a case officer may request them later.

Upload documents

Click to upload or drag and drop

PDF, JPG, PNG, DOCX — max 10 MB per file, up to 5 files

What to upload if you have it: court summons, land documents, employment contracts, or any correspondence from the opposing party. Do not upload anything you do not have a copy of.

Application summary
Matter type—
Urgency—
Your name—
Phone—
County—

I declare that the information I have provided is true and accurate to the best of my knowledge. I understand that providing false information may result in my application being rejected.

You must accept the declaration to submit.

Application received

Your legal aid application has been submitted. A case officer will contact you within 5 business days to discuss your matter and confirm eligibility.

LSK-LA-2026-00000
SMS updates are active

You will receive a text message when your application is reviewed, when an advocate is assigned, and when a decision is made. You do not need internet access to stay informed.

1
Initial contact

A case officer will call or SMS you within 5 business days to discuss your matter.

2
Eligibility assessment

Your financial and legal circumstances will be formally assessed against the eligibility criteria.

3
Advocate assigned

If approved, an advocate with relevant expertise will be assigned to your matter.

4
Representation begins

Your advocate will contact you directly to discuss next steps and the legal strategy.

Return to home

Track an existing application

Already submitted? Enter your reference number to check the status of your legal aid application.

Application LSK-LA-2026-04821

Submitted 18 May 2026 · Land dispute · Kisumu

Advocate assigned
Application received18 May 2026
Case officer contacted applicant21 May 2026
Eligibility confirmed27 May 2026
Advocate assignedAdvocate Amara Mwende — she will contact you within 3 business days
Representation beginsPending
After you apply

What happens next

You will be kept informed at every stage by SMS. Here is what the process looks like from application to representation.

1

Application received

Your application is logged and you receive a reference number by SMS immediately.

Immediate
2

Case officer contact

A case officer calls or SMS you to discuss your matter and explain the assessment process.

Within 5 business days
3

Eligibility assessment

Your financial circumstances and legal matter are formally assessed against the criteria under the Legal Aid Act.

Within 14 days
4

Advocate assigned

If approved, an advocate with relevant expertise contacts you directly to begin representing you.

Following approval
Common questions

Frequently asked

Yes — if you are assessed as eligible, you will receive legal representation at no cost. There are no hidden fees. The Legal Aid Act 2016 mandates that legal aid services be provided free of charge to qualifying applicants.
If you have a court hearing or legal deadline within two weeks, flag this clearly in the urgency field. Applications marked as urgent are reviewed first. You can also call 0800 720 000 directly for immediate assistance.
Yes. Call 0800 720 000 (toll-free from any network) to apply by phone, or SMS your name and county to 22300 and a case officer will call you back within one business day. Once registered, all updates are sent by SMS — you do not need internet access at any stage.
You will be notified by SMS and given the reasons for the decision. You have the right to appeal within 14 days. If you do not qualify for LSK legal aid, the case officer will suggest alternative resources, including the National Legal Aid Service and pro bono advocates.
Advocates are assigned based on the type of matter, availability, and your county. You may express a preference for language or gender of advocate and LSK will accommodate this where possible. If you are unsatisfied with your assigned advocate, you can request a reassignment.