Chief Justice Martha Koome addressing the press at the Kakamega county headquarters on Wednesday. She’s flanked by Director of Public Prosecutions Renson Ingonga (left) and Kakamega Governor Fernandes Barasa (right) /HILTON OTENYOChief Justice Martha Koome has announced the establishment of a Court of Appeal bench in Kakamega and a small claims court in Mumias to improve access to justice and reduce case backlogs.
She said the new courts would bring judicial services closer to residents in line with the spirit of devolution. Koome spoke during a courtesy call on Kakamega Governor Fernandes Barasa on Wednesday.
"We're here to assess the justice needs of this county and we're happy that we already have a Court of Appeal handling about 1,000 cases," Koome said.
"What this means is that litigants who previously had to travel to Kisumu or even Nakuru to have their disputes heard can now access those services in Kakamega."
The CJ said the Judiciary would continue working with the county government and other stakeholders to expand access to justice, including establishing magistrates' courts in subcounties that currently lack them.
"We have assessed the justice needs and we're going to work together to ensure the people of Likuyani do not have to travel long distances to access services that should be provided closer to them," she said.
Governor Barasa welcomed the establishment of the Court of Appeal bench, describing it as a historic milestone for the county.
"It is the first time since Independence that Kakamega county has a Court of Appeal bench," he said.
Barasa said the small claims court in Mumias would help traders and residents resolve commercial disputes more quickly and at a lower cost.
He also said the Chief Justice had approved the establishment of an alternative justice system in the county to promote mediation.
"The Chief Justice will launch the mechanism in the next two months. It will enhance mediation by encouraging amicable settlement of disputes where both parties benefit," Barasa said.
He said the Judiciary had also agreed to operationalise the county court to handle matters relating to county legislation.
Meanwhile, Director of Public Prosecutions Renson Ingonga warned politicians against inflammatory rhetoric and the recruitment or financing of criminal gangs.
He said anyone found sponsoring criminal groups would face the law regardless of their social or political status.
"Let us support the peace we all want. Let us share information freely. If you don't want to report to the police, the Office of the DPP is open," Ingonga said.
Instant analysis
The establishment of a Court of Appeal bench in Kakamega is a significant step in deepening access to justice under Kenya's devolved system of governance. For years, litigants from Western Kenya have incurred additional costs and delays travelling to Kisumu or Nakuru to pursue appeals. Bringing appellate services closer is expected to reduce case backlogs, lower litigation costs and speed up the resolution of disputes. The planned small claims court in Mumias further reflects the Judiciary's push to make justice more accessible for ordinary citizens and small businesses. The challenge will be ensuring the new courts are adequately staffed and resourced.
