The Advocates Complaints Commission of Kenya facilitated the recovery of Sh112.1 million on behalf of complainants during the 2025/26 financial year. This represents an increase of Sh10.3 million from the Sh101.8 million recovered in the previous financial year. Commission Chairman Moses Cheboi highlighted the significance of this achievement, emphasizing the Commission's role in helping aggrieved clients reclaim their assets and achieve financial redress.
According to Cheboi, the increase in recovered funds is a result of the Commission's continued public sensitization efforts. These efforts aim to empower more people to understand their rights, report cases promptly, and seek assistance when advocates fail to act in their clients' best interests. The Commission expects the number of complaints against advocates and the amount of money recovered to increase as more members of the public become aware of its mandate and complaint-handling procedures.
The Commission has been conducting public sensitization programs to educate residents on their rights when engaging advocates, professional standards in the legal profession, and available channels for seeking redress in cases of misconduct. These programs are being carried out in partnership with organizations such as the Electoral Law and Governance Institute of Africa (EGLIA). The goal is to target key counties and provide residents with essential information on how to lodge complaints and access the Commission's services.
During a recent sensitization forum in Tharaka Nithi County, Cheboi urged residents to carefully consider an advocate's reputation, experience, area of practice, professional standing, communication, and fees before engaging their services. He emphasized the importance of making informed decisions when selecting legal representation to avoid potential grievances. The forum was part of a series of outreach programs aimed at bringing the Commission's services closer to the public, particularly residents outside Nairobi.
The Commission received 1,404 complaints against advocates in the 2025/26 financial year, compared to 1,181 in 2024/25. Cheboi noted that the rising number of complaints could be attributed partly to increased public awareness of the Commission's role and the avenues available for reporting professional misconduct. He encouraged members of the public to report suspected misconduct through Huduma Centres, local administrators, or the Commission's website.
The outreach program includes legal aid clinics and public education activities intended to reach residents who might otherwise lack information on how to lodge complaints or access the Commission's services. Cheboi called on participants to share the knowledge gained during the forum with other community members to widen awareness and encourage those with legitimate grievances to seek assistance. The initiative aims to address gaps in awareness, strengthen the Commission's regional presence, and improve access to its services.
The Advocates Complaints Commission is committed to making its services more accessible to the public. The sensitization program, which has already covered Isiolo County, will proceed to Murang'a County. By increasing awareness of its mandate and complaint-handling procedures, the Commission aims to promote accountability in the legal profession and provide effective redress for aggrieved clients.
Key points
- The Advocates Complaints Commission recovered Sh112.1 million for complainants in 2025/26.
- The Commission received 1,404 complaints against advocates in 2025/26, up from 1,181 in 2024/25.
- Public sensitization efforts aim to empower more people to understand their rights and seek assistance when advocates fail to act in their clients' best interests.
