Judiciary to establish courts at Kenya border points, says Justice Mutunga

The Judiciary will establish law courts along Kenya's porous borders to cushion the country against losing billions of shillings through illegal cross border trade.

Speaking in Malaba during the handing over of grounds for Malaba Law Courts, and launch of enforcement manual on illicit trade Chief Justice Willy Mutunga said over Sh50 million is lost at border points due to the absence of courts.

"Our border points are very important sites for policing security, immigration and trade. Establishment of a court at Malaba will be the first in a series of action we have taken as Judiciary to deepen the rule of law and ease the administration of justice," Dr Mutunga said.

The courts will compliment efforts by association of manufacturers to combat illicit trade.

distance covered

Mutunga said the initiative will also reduce the distance covered by locals to seek justice. The nearest courts are in Bungoma and Busia towns, some 40km away.

"You have been walking for kilometres in search of justice but the plan to establish courts at border points will bring that to an end," said Mutunga.

The Judiciary has set aside some Sh60 million for the project.

Mutunga called upon the locals to embrace the new development, and help in the war against illegal trade and other related vices by volunteering information to authorities.

"The fight against illicit trade should be embraced by all Kenyans because 30 per cent of our medicines are counterfeit. Let all of us be careful and report such incidents to relevant authorities," he said.