ELGEYO MARAKWET — The Judiciary has announced the opening of two new court facilities in Chesoi, Marakwet East, and Chepkorio, Keiyo South, aiming to make judicial services more accessible to the residents of these sub-counties. This move is expected to significantly alleviate the need for residents to travel extensive distances to seek justice.
According to Kenya News Agency, speaking at a Court Users Committee (CUC) meeting in Iten, the Chief Justice has already gazetted the two new courts. Previously, residents from Marakwet East and Keiyo South had to travel to neighboring counties, such as Trans Nzoia and Uasin Gishu, to access court services. The establishment of these courts is a strategic response to these logistical challenges and is part of a broader judicial initiative to bring services closer to the citizens.
The Judiciary had attempted to address these access issues by setting up a mobile court in Tot, which aimed to serve far-flung areas. However, this solution faced obstacles due to persistent insecurity in the region.
Additionally, Lady Justice Waithaka revealed plans to implement Alternative Justice Systems (AJS) across all courts in the county. This initiative seeks to decongest the courts by encouraging the resolution of disputes through traditional methods tailored to the local context of each community. The judiciary intends to train AJS committees throughout the county to handle cases effectively while ensuring fairness and adherence to human rights standards.
Furthermore, the court has called upon the police department to improve the efficiency of case hearings by ensuring that delays are not caused by the unavailability of investigating officers due to transfers or training. This directive underscores the judiciary’s commitment to enhancing the efficiency of legal processes and ensuring timely justice for all residents.