The County Government of Nairobi has hired 60 additional lawyers in order to cut costs on hiring external legal counsel and to enhance service delivery.
Speaking at the induction program of the 60 lawyers, Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja emphasized the county’s commitment to reducing expenditure on outsourcing legal services by employing full-time lawyers on permanent and pensionable terms.
“We have had cases where a single legal firm bills Nairobi County over a billion shillings. As a government, we cannot continue down this path. Hiring our own lawyers will not only save costs but also ensure that we have greater control over the quality of our legal work,” stated Sakaja.
Sakaja urged the new lawyers to remain steadfast even in the face of resistance, affirming that they form an integral part of his administration’s vision.
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“You are a crucial part of this administration, and we have high expectations for you to deliver on our manifesto. Even if you face resistance, remain steadfast. Let your conscience guide you. You are transforming lives and restoring hope,” stated the governor.
Prior to this addition, the County had 24 in-house lawyers.
Nairobi County has spent Ksh 941.86 million on legal fees
The new lawyers will ensure Nairobi County has a legal counsel tasked with litigation, conveyancing, contracting, compliance, and other legislative affairs.
In August 2024, Nairobi County through a partnership with the Law Society of Kenya (LSK) hired 46 lawyers. This was also in a bid to reduce the County’s spending on legal costs.
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This comes as the Nairobi County government faces Ksh21 billion arrears in legal fees owed to lawyers. Sakaja stated that when he came into office, he found a huge pending bill. He went ahead to form a task force to look into the claims in order to ascertain whether they were genuine.
“Some of the claims which have been pending for years are questionable and paying them would grind crucial services that the county is offering to a halt,” Sakaja said in March 2024.
During Sakaja’s tenure, Nairobi County has spent a total of Ksh941.86 million on arbitration, legal fees, and compensation payments.
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