Judiciary Raises Alarm Over Safety Risks at Thika Environment and Land Court
In a statement issued on February 14, 2026, Chief Registrar of the Judiciary Winfridah Mokaya described the court station as a growing health hazard for judges, judicial staff, and members of the public
By : Mweru Mbugua
The Judiciary has raised serious concerns over worsening occupational health and safety conditions at the Environment and Land Court (ELC) in Thika, warning that ongoing construction and poor sanitation near the premises are threatening the delivery of justice
In a statement issued on February 14, 2026, Chief Registrar of the Judiciary Winfridah Mokaya described the court station as a growing health hazard for judges, judicial staff, and members of the public
According to the Judiciary, a major construction project adjacent to the court—located on land provided by the County Government of Kiambu—has severely compromised air quality in the area. The dust, noise, and general disruption from the site are said to be undermining not only working conditions but also the dignity and decorum of court proceedings
The situation has been compounded by the use of the surrounding area as a parking hub for garbage collection trucks by the county government. This has resulted in persistent foul odors and heightened hygiene concerns
The deteriorating conditions recently prompted a peaceful march by members of the Law Society of Kenya (LSK), who demanded a safer and more conducive working environment for advocates and their clients
In response to the escalating risks, the Judiciary convened a Bar–Bench meeting on February 11, where stakeholders agreed on immediate mitigation measures. Among the resolutions was the prioritization of virtual court operations, with hearings and delivery of judgments to be conducted online to limit physical exposure to the hazardous environment
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For cases that require in-person attendance due to evidentiary or legal requirements, consultations are ongoing to secure an alternative venue that guarantees safety, security, and accessibility for court users
Additionally, a Court Users Committee (CUC) meeting has been scheduled for Wednesday, February 18, 2026. The meeting will bring together representatives from the county government, security agencies, and other justice sector stakeholders to chart a coordinated way forward
The Judiciary maintains that safeguarding the health and safety of court users remains paramount to ensuring uninterrupted access to justice
