CJ lays foundation stone for new court at Ol Kalou, pledges efficiency in delivery of justice

Chief Justice David Maraga has promised to ensure that the ongoing construction of premium courtrooms in many parts of the country is matched by a corresponding improvement in service delivery.nnSpeaking while laying the foundation stone for the Ol Kalou Law Courts in Nyandarua, CJ Maraga said: “We are emphasising the need to increase efficiency and effectiveness at individual and system levels. This is part of our campaign to ensure that not only do we have sparkly new buildings but the services rendered in there are also top notch.”nnThis court is being built with the participation of stakeholders, particularly members of the Court Users Committees. Their input has been included in the architectural design.nnThe five-storeyed complex will have  eight courtrooms, 12 Chambers, Service Bays, Police and Prison cells  (segregated for male, females, and juveniles); Judges’ and magistrates’ lounges; advocates robing room; lactating rooms for mothers; witness and children’s rooms; offices for DPP, Probation and other justice sector agencies, registries, archives, stores and a library.nnThe project is being supported by the Judicial Performance Improvement Project (JPIP) of the World Bank and will cost Sh399 million. Construction started on September 18 last year and is expected to be completed by June next year.nnNyandarua Governor Francis Kimemia said the court facility will significantly reduce distances for local people seeking to access justice. He asked the Chief Justice to ensure the courts support devolution.nnLaw Society of Kenya representatives decried the crowding of Environment and Land Courts and urged court users to seek alternative ways of resolving succession and land disputes.nnThis view was similarly expressed when the CJ toured Nyeri yesterday where he said over 80 per cent of civil litigation emanates from Land and Environment matters.nnNyandarua is currently served by the High Court in Nyahururu town which also handles matters from Laikipia and parts of Nakuru, Baringo and Samburu counties.nnEnds/…nnDirectorate of Public Affairs & CommunicationnnJUDICIARYnn nn nn nn nn nnChief Justice David Maraga is  joined by Governor Francis Kimemia in laying the foundation stone for the construction of Ol Kalou Law Courts in Nyandarua County. The courts will enhance access to justice for the people in Nyandarua County and areas served by the courts.nn nn