Nairobi: The new Chesoi Law Court, expected to serve residents of Marakwet East, Kerio Valley, and the larger parts of Marakwet West sub-counties, may start operations by April 6 this year.
According to Kenya News Agency, the Iten Senior Principal Magistrate, Gladys Adhiambo, informed a media briefing that the upcoming Judiciary dialogue day set for Iten on Friday, had last year acknowledged the residents' challenges in accessing justice. Adhiambo noted that residents had raised concerns about the high costs of traveling to access justice, which often required them to travel a day earlier, incurring significant expenses in transport and accommodation.
Residents reportedly conveyed that transportation costs could reach up to Sh2,000 a day, a financial burden for many in the lower Marakwet region. Magistrate Adhiambo shared this feedback with the headquarters, which recognized the need for a Chesoi court to ensure equitable access to justice for all Kenyans, regardless of their location.
She encouraged residents to attend the Judiciary dialogue in Iten to voice their concerns directly and suggest areas for improvement. For those unable to attend in person, a QR code and a link with simple questions will be provided to facilitate feedback submission.
The Magistrate highlighted the Judiciary's collaboration with other departments in its mission to dispense justice. Members of the Court Users Committee will be present to explain their role in the judicial process to residents.
Court administrator Peter Titi advised individuals who have posted bond using title deeds to retrieve them promptly after case conclusion to avoid complications. He emphasized the sensitivity of title deeds and noted that if an owner passes away, a succession case must be filed to appoint an administrator who can claim the document.
Titi also urged those who paid cash bail to seek refunds within 14 days after case resolution, requiring only an ID card, bank details, and the original receipt. He encouraged reporting any delays to his office for follow-up. He further assured that individuals could claim uncollected cash bail funds, even from cases resolved a decade ago, as long as they possess the necessary documents. Unclaimed funds would eventually be transferred to the Unclaimed Financial Assets Authority.