Dorcas Oduor Becomes Kenya's First Female Attorney General
Three years since the appointment of Justice Martha Koome as the first female Chief Justice of Kenya, Senior Counsel Dorcas Agik Oduor has made history by becoming Kenya’s first female Attorney General.
Her appointment came after the dismissal of her predecessor Justin Muturi, which happened during the political upheaval caused by the recent anti-government protests. Dorcus Oduor was nominated by President William Ruto and then approved by the National Assembly, marking a significant milestone in Kenya’s legal landscape.
Before her appointment as Attorney General, Dorcus Oduor served as the Secretary of Public Prosecutions. She has had extensive experience in various legal roles, including being the Deputy Director of Public Prosecutions and the Head of Economic, International and Emerging Crimes at the Office of Director of Public Prosecutions. Ms Oduor is a seasoned prosecution counsel who has dedicated many years to the field of Public Prosecutions, having started her career as a State Counsel back in 1991.
The Attorney General (AG) plays a crucial role in Kenya’s legal and political landscape. As the principal legal advisor to the government, some of AG Dorcus Oduor’s key responsibilities will include:
- Serving as the principal legal advisor to the national government. The Attorney General provides guidance to ministries, departments, commissions, and state corporations on legislative and other legal matters. Additionally, the AG advises the government on issues related to the Constitution, international law, human rights, consumer protection, and legal aid.
- Representing the National Government in Court or any legal proceedings, except criminal cases. The AG also represents the government in matters before foreign courts and tribunals.
- Negotiating, drafting, vetting and interpreting local and international documents, agreements and treaties on behalf of the government. The AG also drafts legislative proposals and advises on legislative matters.
- Reviewing and overseeing legal matters pertaining to the registration of companies, partnerships, business names, societies, adoptions, marriages, charities and administration of estates and trusts.
- Performing duties similar to that of a Cabinet Secretary in relation to the Department of Justice. This role encompasses a wide range of responsibilities including: Advancing human rights; Ensuring constitutional implementation; Improving access to Justice; Enhancing legal education; Initiating and overseeing law reform efforts.
- Overseeing and coordinating activities across various legal institutions, offering guidance and supervision. This broad responsibility allows the AG to bolster and enhance the overall legal framework in the country.
- Championing legal principles and safeguarding societal interests by upholding the rule of law and protecting what is in the public interest.
Dorcas Oduor being Kenya’s first female Attorney General is significant because her appointment is a strong statement about the importance of women’s representation in leadership roles within Kenya’s government. It reflects progress towards gender equality in high ranking government positions.
As the first woman to hold this position, she is likely to become a role model for young girls and women in Kenya and across Africa. Her achievement could inspire more women to pursue a career in law and politics, sectors traditionally dominated by men.
