By Geoffrey Makokha
The Advocates Complaints Commission (ACC) in the Office of the Attorney General has collected nearly Sh23 million from advocate firms for clients through alternative dispute resolution mediation in the March 2023/2024 financial year.
Ms. Mueni Kalola, an official of the Advocates Complaints Commission, stated that the commission’s goal is to resolve conflicts between advocates and clients by promoting alternative justice systems and resolutions.
As part of the Office of the Attorney General, the ACC has been raising public awareness about its 34-year mandate and work, despite its relatively unknown existence.
Kalola pointed out that the commission is promoting public awareness about their stances across all counties, with its primary focus on policy lawyers and the legal profession.
“We receive complaints from members of the public against their lawyers and guide the clients on what is supposed to be done,” noted Kalola.
She disclosed that currently, five cases in Migori are undergoing alternative dispute resolution mediation to assist clients in accessing their claims.
Alternative justice systems
The commission strongly advocates for alternative justice systems and resolutions to expedite cases that have remained pending by facilitating closure between advocates and clients.
Kalola also explained that anybody can complain to the commission provided they have engaged a lawyer and believe they are not satisfied with their services.
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Thus, ACC also acts as a prosecutor, prosecuting advocates for violations of rules and regulations by a special court and alternative dispute resolution mediation failures.
However, the commission plans to continue decentralising Advocates Complaints Commission services across all 47 counties to enhance access to justice. Hence, calling upon Kenyans to always search the names of lawyers through the Law Society of Kenya websites to avoid individuals masquerading as lawyers.
In the last financial year 2022/2023, ACC collected Sh11 million on behalf of clients from advocate firms, and according to Kalola, the sensitisation has started to bear fruit, affirming the success cases of money that have so far been returned to clients.
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