The Maua Law Courts in Meru County handled a total of 3,210 civil and criminal cases between July 1, 2024, and June 30, 2025, Chief Magistrate Felix Kombo has revealed.
He highlighted both progress and ongoing challenges in the delivery of justice across the Igembe region.
Speaking during a Judiciary Dialogue Day, held under the theme Engaging Citizens, Strengthening Justice, Kombo said currently the court has 3,068 active cases on record and a backlog of 1,051 cases, highlighting the continued pressure on judicial resources.
The Chief Magistrate noted that among the cases handled, 55 involved defilement, terming the numbers as alarming, while calling for stronger community vigilance and multi-agency collaboration to protect children and vulnerable persons.
“The volume of cases we are receiving shows that wananchi are increasingly turning to the courts for justice. However, it also stretches our current capacity and calls for more support in staffing and infrastructure,” said Kombo.
The Chief Magistrate said that Maua law courts have embraced technology to improve efficiency and expand access to justice, especially for litigants and witnesses, who are far from the court station.
Kombo explained that the use of virtual court sessions and digital case management systems has enabled parties to participate in proceedings remotely, reducing travel costs and delays while ensuring continuity of hearings.
“Through virtual platforms, people can attend court sessions regardless of distance. This has helped speed up case handling and improved participation, particularly for witnesses, advocates, and parties who would otherwise face logistical challenges,” he said.
He added that digitisation of court processes has also enhanced transparency, record keeping and tracking of cases.
Kombo further noted that they have expanded services through mobile courts operating in Mutuati and Garbatulla, aimed at bringing justice closer to the people.
He said the mobile courts have played a key role in reducing travel distance and costs for litigants, witnesses, and victims, especially those from remote and marginalised areas.
The initiative has also helped speed up case hearings, ease congestion at the main Maua station and improve timely access to justice.
The Chief Magistrate also emphasised the importance of citizen engagement in strengthening justice systems, noting that public awareness and cooperation are key in reducing disputes and improving case resolution.
He noted that Judiciary Dialogue forums are designed to create direct interaction between the courts and the public, allowing citizens to raise concerns, give feedback, and better understand court procedures and their rights.
“Justice works best when citizens understand the law, court processes, and their responsibilities. Engagement helps build trust and accountability between the judiciary and the community,” he noted.
Kombo further encouraged residents to embrace alternative dispute resolution mechanisms such as mediation and arbitration to reduce the number of cases escalating in court.
He also expressed concern over delays in handling children-related cases, attributing this to acute understaffing, adding that the entire Igembe region is currently served by only one children’s officer, making it difficult to process reports and prepare required inquiry documents on time.
“Children’s cases require special handling and timely reports, but with only one officer covering the whole region, delays are unavoidable. There is a need for additional officers to ensure faster handling of these sensitive matters,” said Kombo.
And to address frequent power outages that disrupt court operations, Kombo disclosed that plans were underway to install a solar power system at the court.
The Chief Magistrate said the alternative energy source will ensure uninterrupted services, particularly for digital and virtual court operations that depend on stable electricity.
“Court services should not stop because of blackouts. Solar installation will help guarantee continuity of hearings and access to services,” he said.
By Kamanja Maeria
