This article focuses on the functions of the Solicitor General in Kenya. Section 9 of the Office of the Attorney General Act provides for the office of the Solicitor General.
The Solicitor General serves on a contract for a period of 5 years. Salary and other benefits attached to the position are determined by the Salaries and Remuneration Commission.
Requirements for Appointment as a Solicitor General in Kenya
- Be a citizen of Kenya.
- Hold a law degree from a recognised university, be an advocate of the High Court of Kenya, or possess an equivalent qualification in a common law jurisdiction.
- Have at least 10 years of experience as a distinguished academic or legal practitioner or such experience in another relevant legal field.
- Have a high moral character, integrity and impartiality.
- Have demonstrable leadership and management capacity including knowledge of financial management and strategic people management.
- Creativity, innovativeness and problem-solving skills.
- Resource management, administrative and supervisory skills.
- Demonstrate planning and organisational skills.
- Meet the requirements of Chapter 6 of the constitution on leadership and integrity.
Functions of the Solicitor General In Kenya
- Being the accounting and authorised officer of the state law office.
- Implementing government policies and the strategic plan for the state law office.
- Developing and implementing an effective performance management system.
- Ensuring efficient and effective utilisation of financial, human and other resources in the state law office and submitting regular statutory reports as required.
- Organising, coordinating and managing the administrative and legal functions of the office.
- Assisting the Attorney General in the performance of his duties as the principal legal advisor to the government.
- Conducting and supervising all court cases including appeals or petitions on behalf of the Attorney General.
- Formulating and ensuring implementation of development strategies for government legal services.
- Being responsible for the discipline of state counsel and other members of staff of the office.
- Undertaking duties of the alternate chairperson of the disciplinary tribunal.
- Performing duties of the alternate chairperson of the college of arms.
- Performing duties as a member of the council of legal education.
- Coordinating the attachment of candidates for pupillage in the office.
- Performing such other duties as the law may confer or otherwise assigned to the Solicitor General by the Attorney General.
