Inauguration of the Dagoretti Law Courts

The Hon. Chief Justice presided over the inauguration of the Dagoretti Law Courts—a new court station that will bring justice closer to court users. This marks a significant step in addressing the overwhelming caseload concentrated in Nairobi City County and its neighbouring counties. Nairobi City, along with Kiambu, Machakos, and Kajiado counties, accounts for about one-third of all cases filed in Kenya. In 2023 alone, 91,085 cases were filed in magistrates’ courts within Nairobi City County.

However, this high caseload in the Nairobi Metropolitan Area has not been met with corresponding investment in court infrastructure. Of Nairobi’s 17 constituencies, only three have fully operational Magistrates’ Courts. This imbalance has caused significant delays and frustrations for those seeking justice. Recognizing the growing demand for judicial services within the Nairobi Metropolitan Area, the Judiciary is actively working to close this infrastructure gap.

The Dagoretti Law Courts will not only ease the burden on the Kibera and Kikuyu Law Courts but will also house a Small Claims Court, a dedicated Gender Justice Court for sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) cases, and a Magistrates’ Court. This launch is a testament to our commitment to ensuring every Kenyan has access to justice, regardless of their location. I urge the national government, county governments, and our development partners to continue supporting the Judiciary as we work to eliminate barriers to justice, including inadequate court infrastructure, in Nairobi City and beyond.