Kitui government donates land to expand county courts

The Kitui government and the Judiciary have entered into a partnership to stem congestion at the High Court.

On Friday, Governor Julius Malombe showed Kitui judge Robert Limo a two acres at Manyenyoni area of Kitui town set aside for the expansion of the Kitui law courts.

Justice Limo said the move by Malombe’s administration was most welcome as it will help address congestion and lack of space at the Kitui High Court.

“Two of the magistrates serving here in Kitui currently are delivering justice in the corridors of the courts. So literally they are dispensing justice in the corridors of the courts.

“And that is not how it should be. So you find when you come there, members of the public, the litigants and suspects find it a problem to access justice in a good environment,” Justice Limo said.

While addressing the media at the site, Malombe said besides the 2-acre piece of land which was set aside in 2016 when he was the governor, half an acre land would be set aside in each of the eight constituencies to set up a court.

Malombe said the County government was allocating land to the Judiciary that is under the National government in the spirit of collaboration and interdependence as stipulated in the 2010 Constitution.

“We are required under the constitution to work together and to support one another. So this is being done in that particular spirit. It is in the context of what is provided for in the constitution,” he said.

Justice Limo said due to serious lack of space at the Kitui law courts, he approached Malombe for assistance to see if at least a temporary solution would be found.

“This is something that is welcome. The space here is sufficient. Once the paperwork is ready, I can assure you I will invite the Chief Justice to come and receive the allocation letter from you,” the judge told Malombe.

Noting that the situation where people have to cover long distances to access court was an impediment, Justice Limo welcomed Malombe’s announcement that land for establishment of courts will be set aside in all the eight constituencies in Kitui.

“The vision of the Judiciary is to set up a magistrates court in every constituency and in every county, an ELC and a High Court, “ added Justice Limo.