The High Court of Kenya has issued conservatory orders suspending the engagement of private advocates and law firms by county governments and other public entities. This decision, issued by Justice Samuel Mukira in Nakuru, halts the procurement, continuation, and payment of external legal services where government legal officers are already in place, pending the hearing and determination of a constitutional petition.

• The court order bars the Controller of Budget and all public officers from approving or authorizing funds for external legal services until the case is heard and determined.
• The petition was filed by activist Okiya Omtatah and Dr Magare Gikenyi, and targets the Council of Governors, the Attorney-General, and more than 70 respondents.
• The matter is scheduled for mention on January 30, 2026, for further directions.