Chief Justice inaugurates the first High Court in Nyandarua County

Nyandarua

Friday, September 1, 2023

KNA by Antony Mwangi

Chief Justice Martha Koome presided over the opening of a new court building, the Ol-Kalou Law Courts Complex, which will house the Nyandarua High Court, Environment and Land Court (ELC) and a Magistrate’s Court.

Speaking during the launch, the Chief Justice said the establishment of this facility is also in alignment with the Judiciary's vision of a people-centered justice system that is accessible, cost-effective, efficient, and responsive to the needs of the public.

"This High Court and the ELC will exercise supervisory jurisdiction over the Ol Kalou Magistrates’ Court and the Engineer Magistrates’ Court, creating a harmonized legal ecosystem that addresses the unique needs and challenges of this community,” she said.

"We also launched e-filing, which will serve as a beacon of justice, enabling easy access to adjudicative services. E-filing, coupled with virtual courts and our Case Tracking System (CTS), form a critical cog in our digitization agenda. Through these technological advancements, we are reducing the bureaucratic bottlenecks that have historically plagued our justice system," Koome said.

However, she warned against settling gender based violence and sexual related violence and abuse through the Alternative Justice System. She said that it is only the established legal procedures that the two offences can be handled properly and ensure justice is served to the victims and the perpetrators punished.

On his part, Presiding Judge, Nyandarua Justice Charles Kariuki said that he is committing himself to lead from the front to ensure that justice shall be done to all without undue delay.

Speaking at the same event, Law Society of Kenya (LSK) President Mr. Eric Theuri said that he is cognizant of the fact that the opening of a High Court and ELC at Ol Kalou will result in growth of legal practice and service delivery to the people of Nyandarua.

Nyandarua governor Dr. Kiarie Badilisha said that the people of Nyandarua are very happy to witness the opening of the court which will ensure they cut the travelling times they would use to visit a high court in Nyahururu which is geographically in Laikipia County.

“My people are proud that 60 years after independence, a court in Nyandarua is a moment of great celebration and fulfilment of a dream and the struggle that their forefathers fought for,” said Badilisha.

Courtesy ; K. N. A