Courts in Covid zoned counties closed until further notice, acting CJ Mwilu says

Courts, tribunals and registries in Nairobi, Machakos, Kajiado, Kiambu and Nakuru will be closed to the public starting today until otherwise notified.

In his March 26 address, President Uhuru Kenyatta said the counties have been listed as a zoned area where Covid-19 infections are steadily rising.

In a statement on Sunday evening, acting Chief Justice Philomena Mwilu (pictured) said any matters requiring a hearing shall be conducted virtually.

In Nairobi county, urgent matters will continue to be filed using the e-filing system, whose support shall be offered through an online platform running every weekday from 10am to noon and 2pm to 4pm.

According to Mwilu, all criminal pleas and urgent hearings shall be handled virtually in all courts in the five zoned counties.

Presiding Judges and heads of stations in consultation with their Bar-Bench and Court Users Committees shall issue guidelines to address any unique issues arising in their jurisdictions.

The country is currently facing a third wave of the Covid-19 pandemic, which has led to a new raft of containment measures.

"Like all other sectors, the Judiciary and the rest of the criminal and civil justice agencies were asked to take immediate action to eliminate nonessential physical contact that may lead to crowding or the propagation of the disease," Mwilu added.

She said the Covid-19 safety protocols prevailing before Uhuru's address will continue to be adhered to in all courts in the remaining counties.

"Any Covid-19 cases that may be detected during this period should be reported to the Chief Registrar of the Judiciary."

The acting CJ said although vaccination is voluntary, staffers aged above 58 are encouraged to get the jab soon.

Mwilu continued, saying employees should be allowed to work from home, with the exception of those working in critical services that cannot be delivered remotely.

She said at any given time only 30 per cent of staff should be in the office.

"These guidelines shall be reviewed as circumstances allow."