Judiciary embarks on plan to build courts in all 290 constituencies

The Judiciary has embarked on an ambitious programme to build 290 courts across the country – at least one in each constituency.

Chief Justice David Maraga, who revealed the plan yesterday, said the Judiciary was committed to bringing services close to the people.

He said the Judiciary had initiated talks with the Government in order to get the money required to build more courtrooms.

However, he did not disclose the amount of cash the Judiciary will need to construct courts in all the 290 constituencies.

The CJ, who spoke when he officially opened Ruiru Law Courts, said the Judiciary was committed to clearing backlog of cases.

He called on judicial officers to work together with lawyers to ensure there is quick delivery of justice.

Maraga cautioned lawyers against being part of creating backlog of cases by seeking endless adjournment of cases without valid reasons.

Dispute resolution

He emphasised the need for alternative dispute resolution mechanism for minor cases.

The head of Ruiru Law Courts Clara Otieno said since it opened it’s door to the public, a total of 3,397 cases had been registered, while 2,683 cases had been heard and determined.

Ms Otieno said the court would bring justice closer to the people.

“Ruiru residents will from now not be required to go to Thika, Kiambu or Gatundu to seek justice. The new court will help them have easy access to justice,” she said.

The new court brings the number of courts in the county to seven. Other courts are in Thika, Gatundu, Kiambu, Limuru, Githunguri and Kikuyu.

The new court was constructed by Ruiru National Government Constituency Development Fund.

Ruiru MP Simon King’ara said the new court would benefit residents since they will no longer have to travel long distances to Nairobi or other regions seek justice.