The High Court is established pursuant to Article 165(1) of the Constitution of Kenya.

Section 12(1) of the High Court (Organization & Administration) Act, Cap 8C provides that to facilitate reasonable and equitable access to court services, the Chief Justice in consultation with the Principal Judge of the High Court shall establish at least one High Court station in every county.

The High Court discharges its judicial mandate  independently and its subject only to the Constitution and the law.

The High Court has unlimited original jurisdiction to determine all criminal and civil matters. The Court interprets the Constitution and hears cases concerning violation and or infringement of the Bill of Rights. In addition, it handles appeals emanating from Subordinate Courts (Magistrates Court, Kadhis Court, Tribunals, Court Martials, Small Claims Court). It exercises supervisory jurisdiction over Subordinate Courts and over any person, body or authority exercising judicial or quasi-judicial function and also hears appeals from tribunals that consider the removal of a person from office.

In exercise of its judicial authority,

• the High Court is guided by the national values and principles set out in Article 10 of the Constitution
• the principles of judicial authority set out in Article 159 of the Constitution and
• the values and principles of Public Service set out in Article 232(1)(c), (e) and (f) of the Constitution.