Chief Justice Koome inaugurates Dagoretti Law Courts to address Nairobi case backlog

Chief Justice Martha Koome on Friday officially inaugurated the Dagoretti Law Courts, a critical new court station that will help reduce the case backlog in Nairobi and neighbouring counties.

The new court is part of a broader effort to improve access to justice and ease the strain on existing courts, particularly in the Nairobi Metropolitan Area, which handles one-third of all cases in Kenya.

Speaking during the launch, Chief Justice Koome stressed the need for enhanced judicial infrastructure to cope with the growing demand for legal services in the region.

"Nairobi City, along with Kiambu, Machakos, and Kajiado counties, accounts for a significant portion of Kenya's cases, yet the infrastructure to handle them has not expanded accordingly," she stated.

In 2023 alone, over 91,000 cases were filed in Nairobi City's magistrates' courts, demonstrating the pressure on the Judiciary in the area.

With only three fully operational magistrates' courts serving 17 constituencies in Nairobi, the system has struggled to keep up with the caseload, resulting in delays and frustrations for those seeking justice.

However, the newly opened Dagoretti Law Courts according to the Chief Justice, aims to alleviate some of this burden by serving residents in Dagoretti and surrounding areas.

The station will also relieve Kibera and Kikuyu Law Courts, which have been overwhelmed by the growing number of cases.

Presided over the inauguration of the Dagoretti Law Courts—a new court station that will bring justice closer to court users.

This marks a significant step in addressing the overwhelming caseload concentrated in Nairobi City County and its neighbouring counties. Nairobi City,… pic.twitter.com/J3Q9blr11y

— Hon. Justice Martha K. Koome, FCIArb, EGH (@CJMarthaKoome) October 11, 2024

CJ Koome highlighted the Judiciary's ongoing efforts to decentralize judicial services.

"Our goal is to reduce the distance Kenyans must travel to access justice by ensuring that every constituency has its own magistrates' court. Today, we have 140 such courts, but we still have 150 constituencies without one," she said.

The Dagoretti Law Courts will house a Magistrates' Court, a Small Claims Court, and a Gender Justice Court dedicated to handling cases of sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV).

"The establishment of this Gender Justice Court is a significant milestone in our fight against gender-based violence. It prioritises the safety, dignity, and privacy of victims, ensuring that they receive justice in a supportive environment," the Chief Justice noted.

The Small Claims Court will play a key role in resolving commercial disputes more swiftly, particularly for traders and businesses in the Dagoretti area.

"This court will hear cases with a value of up to Sh1 million, offering businesses a simplified, cost-effective, and efficient path to justice," Koome explained.

Salome Beacco, Principal Secretary in the State Department for Correctional Services, commended the Judiciary for making justice more accessible to the people of Dagoretti.

"We are excited that this new court station will bring justice closer to the people and spur the growth of the region," she said.

Newly launched Dagoretti Law Courts.

Isaac Rutto, Vice Chairperson of the Judicial Service Commission, hailed the establishment of the Dagoretti Law Courts as a critical step in addressing the congested Kibera and Kikuyu Law Courts.

"This launch is addressing an urgent need by easing the case backlog and reducing the distance community members need to travel to access justice," Rutto remarked.

Winfridah Mokaya, Chief Registrar of the Judiciary, expressed gratitude to the County Government of Nairobi and the defunct Nairobi Metropolitan Services for their role in initiating and funding the project.

"This project, which cost Sh61 million, is a shining example of what we can achieve through collaboration. The new court station features two courtrooms, three registries, and disability-friendly facilities, ensuring that judicial services are accessible to all," Mokaya noted.

Faith Odhiambo, President of the Law Society of Kenya (LSK), emphasised the importance of judicial independence while applauding the Judiciary's efforts to address systemic challenges.

"We owe it to ourselves to fight for an independent Judiciary. Despite the many challenges, we are seeing great strides being made in ensuring access to justice," she said.