The Judiciary has announced immediate risk mitigation measures at the Environment and Land Court (ELC) in Thika following serious health and safety concerns arising from ongoing construction work and poor environmental conditions at the court premises.
In a statement issued today, Chief Registrar Winfridah Mokaya, said the court, which operates from premises provided by the County Government of Kiambu, is currently affected by a major construction project generating significant dust and debris in close proximity to the facility.
“The works are 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,” the Chief Registrar stated.
The statement further revealed that the location is also being used by the County Government 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.”
The Judiciary acknowledged a peaceful march held by Law Society of Kenya (LSK) members on Thursday to raise awareness about the deteriorating conditions at one of the busiest ELC stations in the country.
“The Judiciary treats the matter as urgent given its implications for staff welfare, public health, institutional integrity and continuity of justice services,” Hon. Mokaya said.
Following a Bar-Bench meeting held on February 11, 2026, the Judiciary announced two key resolutions:
First, the court will prioritize virtual hearings and virtual delivery of rulings and judgments for matters suitable for remote handling, “to reduce physical exposure to the affected environment while sustaining access to justice.”
Second, for matters requiring physical attendance, “consultations are ongoing to identify a suitable alternative venue and practical modalities to ensure orderly scheduling, security and user-friendliness.”
The Chief Registrar emphasized that the interim measures aim to secure “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.”
A Court Users Committee (CUC) meeting has been scheduled for Wednesday, February 18, 2026, bringing together the Judiciary, the Bar, the County Government, security agencies and other justice sector actors to chart a comprehensive way forward.
“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,” the statement concluded.
The Judiciary reaffirmed its commitment to “executing its mandate of the delivery of justice to all while upholding the highest standards of safety, dignity of service and responsible governance.”
