CJ Koome establishes new Maara court in Tharaka Nithi

Chief Justice Martha Koome has officially launched the Maara Magistrates' Court in Tharaka Nithi, enhancing judicial services for residents in the region and nearby areas. The court came into effect on September 1, 2026, as per a Gazette Notice issued by Koome on August 26, 2026. Koome formally established the Maara Magistrates' Court under the supervision of the Chuka High Court with the Gazette Notice.

The establishment of the Maara Magistrates' Court is part of the Judiciary's broader initiative to decentralize court services and improve access to justice. Tharaka Nithi MP Kareke Mbiuki expressed his enthusiasm for the new court, stating that it would lessen the burden on residents seeking judicial services. He added that the court's funding by the Maara National Government Constituency Development Fund (NGCDF) demonstrates a strong commitment to providing efficient and timely judicial services.

Mbiuki highlighted that the court would significantly reduce the time and costs associated with residents traveling long distances to seek justice.

Under the new arrangement, the Maara Magistrates' Court remains under the supervisory jurisdiction of the Chuka High Court. This structure allows the court to benefit from the oversight of a higher court and handle various civil and criminal matters within the limits set by law. Magistrates' courts like this one provide crucial services to communities by reducing the distance traveled by litigants, witnesses, and other court users.

Maara is among four new magistrates' courts established by Koome, all taking effect from September 1. The other courts are in Kegonga, Emuhaya, and Tarakwa. Kegonga Magistrates' Court falls under the Migori High Court, while Emuhaya Magistrates' Court is under the Vihiga High Court, and Tarakwa Magistrates' Court is under the Eldoret High Court.

These four new courts expand the Judiciary's network and ensure judicial services are more accessible across various regions. For residents of Maara and neighboring areas, this new court is expected to simplify access to judicial services by eliminating the need to travel to distant court centers.