Meru is set to generate more revenue if the ongoing construction of a municipal court is completed.
Meru municipality chairman Mbaabu Muguna said everything is going on as planned and they will be pleased to have cases emerging from infringement of the municipality by-laws dealt with swiftly.
He said the court is expected to be ready for use early next year.
“Many of our cases have been delayed as they were dealt with in the magistrates' court, but we will have a reason to smile once the courts become operational,” Muguna said.
The project is a collaboration between the Judiciary and the county government. The former will provide staff, while the latter is dealing with the construction of structures.
“The three-storey building estimated to cost Sh60million will have municipal courts, two magistrates' courts on the ground floor and municipal offices on the next two floors, a registry and a cell,” Muguna said.
“We expect the judiciary to provide us with the magistrates, the court clerks and other necessary staff.”
The county is set to reap more from the fines, but there will be sharing as per the memorandum of understanding with the judiciary.
Muguna said the municipality board has already set up by-laws which were passed by the county assembly and assented to by Governor Kiraitu Murungi.
“We have put in place enforcement acts that will be used in charging offenders, which is a great step for our municipality,” Muguna said.
While touring the site, Meru county director of physical planning Elizabeth Mburu said the construction is almost 60 per cent done.
She said the court is aimed at bringing services closer to the people.
Edited by Kiilu Damaris