CJ Koome opens Maara Law Courts in Tharaka Nithi

Chief Justice Martha Koome officially opened the Maara Law Courts in Tharaka Nithi County, Kenya, emphasizing the Judiciary's commitment to providing equal access to justice for all Kenyans, regardless of their geographical location. The establishment of this court brings the total number of Magistrates' Courts in the country to 151, showcasing the Judiciary's ongoing efforts to make justice more accessible.

One of the key objectives of the Judiciary's Sustaining the Transformation of the Judiciary (STAJ) Blueprint is to ensure that both High Courts and Magistrates' Courts are present in every county and constituency, respectively. The Chief Justice highlighted that geographical distance often serves as a major obstacle to accessing justice, particularly for those residing in rural and underserved communities.

This issue disproportionately impacts small-scale farmers, traders, the elderly, and vulnerable litigants, making it difficult for them to exercise their constitutional rights. The Judiciary has prioritized expanding its physical presence across the country, with High Court services now available in all 47 counties. The next step is to extend the reach of Magistrates' Courts across the country's 290 constituencies, with the Maara Law Courts' operationalization being another step towards this goal.

The Chief Justice praised the Maara National Government Constituencies Development Fund (NG-CDF) Committee for its financial support in constructing the court, viewing the project as an excellent example of what partnerships can achieve in strengthening access to justice. She encouraged Members of Parliament, NG-CDF committees, governors, and county governments to emulate this initiative by supporting the establishment of judicial infrastructure in underserved areas.