The Judiciary has noted with profound concern the serious occupational health, safety and service-delivery concerns affecting the operations of the Thika Environment and Lands Court (ELC), considered to be among the busiest ELC stations in the country.
The immediate concern arises from a major construction project currently ongoing in close proximity to the court premises which is generating significant dust and debris, adversely affecting air quality and creating a material health and safety hazard for Judges, judicial officers, staff, advocates and court users particularly vulnerable persons, including children, older persons and those with underlying respiratory conditions.
Further, the construction activity is also disrupting the court environment by undermining the dignity of service and creating conditions that are inconsistent with the standards expected of a court station.
Additionally, the Court’s location which currently sits within a donated facility by the County Government of Kiambu, is also used as a parking point for garbage collection trucks, resulting in persistent foul odour, hygiene concerns, and an overall environment that is unsuitable for sustained court operations and public access to justice.
“We acknowledge the peaceful march held by a number of Law Society of Kenya (LSK) members on Friday 13th February, 2026 to raise awareness regarding these concerns,” stated Winfridah Mokaya, Chief Registrar of the Judiciary in a press statement.
Equally, Mokaya assured that the Judiciary treats the matter as urgent given its implications for staff welfare, public health, institutional integrity and continuity of justice services.
In view of the foregoing, and following a Bar–Bench meeting held on 11th February 2026 to agree on immediate risk-mitigation measures, the Chief Registrar highlighted two resolutions including an immediate risk mitigation through virtual operations where the Judiciary will prioritize virtual hearings and virtual delivery of rulings/judgments for matters suitable for remote handling, to reduce physical exposure to the unfavorable environment while sustaining access to justice.
For the second resolution, the Chief Registrar announced that there will be controlled physical sittings only where necessary stressing that for matters that must be heard physically (including where the law, evidence-taking, or the interests of justice require in-person attendance), consultations are ongoing to identify a suitable alternative venue and practical modalities to ensure orderly scheduling, security and user-friendliness.
“These interim measures are aimed at securing the safety and wellbeing of all court stakeholders while ensuring that the Court continues to discharge its constitutional mandate without avoidable interruption, even as the Judiciary pursues a durable, long-term solution for appropriate ELC premises in Thika,” she affirmed.
Meanwhile, Mokaya reported that a Court Users Committee (CUC) meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, 18th February 2026, to provide a consultative and inclusive multi-agency way forward, bringing together the Judiciary, the Bar, the County Government, security agencies and other justice sector actors.
“We urge counsel who represent LSK in the CUC to attend and participate fully so that the agreed interventions are practical, coordinated and co-owned,” rallied the Chief Registrar.
She maintained that the Judiciary remains committed to executing its mandate of the delivery of justice to all while upholding the highest standards of safety, dignity of service and responsible governance.
By Michael Omondi
