Governors want county courts established to replace defunct Municipal Courts

Bomet, Kenya: Governors have petitioned the Judiciary to establish County courts to replace the defunct Municipal Courts to help counties in enforcing laws passed by County Assemblies.

Council of Governors Chairman Isaac Ruto said the council has taken the position that County Courts should be set up so that it can help in dispensing justice and decongesting regular courts.

Ruto said the public had confidence in the Judiciary and the ongoing reforms in the institution led by Chief Justice Dr Willy Mutunga.

"We appreciate as Governors the work of the Judiciary in dispensing justice and interpreting the law in the new constitutional order and we are happy with the reforms that are taking place," Ruto said.

Ruto was speaking at his office at the Bomet County Headquarters when members of the Judicial Service Commission (JSC), Smokin Wanjala, Emily Ominde and Reverend Samuel Kobia, paid him a courtesy call.

Ruto said there was need for enhancement of civic education at the grassroots for the people to understand laws enacted following the promulgation of the new constitution.

"With the inception of County governments and our election into office two years ago, we thought we would hit the road running but we have encountered a lot of challenges in implementation of laws and even interpretation of the constitution, but we appreciate the support of judiciary on their advices," Ruto stated

He at the same time pledged that the County Government of Bomet would facilitate the Judiciary to acquire land at the county headquarters to construct staff quarters following the establishment of a High Court.