Chief Justice Martha Koome has issued a set of new measures that will ensure the safety and security of court users.
This follows the shooting dead of Makadara Principal Magistrate Monica Kivuti in the line of duty.
The measures, CJ Koome says, are effective Monday, June 24, 2024.
The measures include;
- Search and access to courts with firearms: The Judiciary Police Unit, in consultation with the Inspector General, shall reinforce security in all court stations including Makadara Law Courts by ensuring strict search protocols. No persons shall be allowed to access any court premises while armed, save for officers duly accredited to provide security at specific court stations.
- Identification Name Tags for Judicial Officers and Staff: It is mandatory that all Judicial Officers and Staff wear name tags at all times while in Court premises. Other Court Users such as Advocates, Police Officers and the Public shall be required to provide identification documents to facilitate access to Courts.
- Parking at Court Premises: Access to court parking shall be restricted to vehicles with serialized Judiciary car stickers. Each station shall issue temporary passes to facilitate access by designated visitors. Vehicles shall be searched before accessing the courts.
- Access to Judges and Judicial Officers Chambers: Each station shall put in place measures to ensure that there is restriction on access to chambers of Judges and Magistrates. The Office of the Chief Registrar shall be immediately notified if any additional support is required to implement this directive.
- Customer Care Desks: In order to reduce the number of court users who have to visit the registry and court, the customer care desks shall be strengthened through deployment of adequate staff and ICT equipment. This will ensure optimal utilization of the customer care desks and higher quality of service.
- Infrastructural Security Adjustments: Each station shall in consultation with the Court Users Committees submit any requests for facilitation of any security infrastructure that is required to address any identified gaps. Stations with make shift structures and tents should liaise with the Office of the Chief Registrar on modalities of implementing the Directives issued by the Chief Justice and the Judicial Service Commission.
- Long Term Measures: The Judiciary Leadership Team, the HR Directorate, the Building, Infrastructure & Development Committee, and the Building, Judiciary Security Management Committee shall in addition to these short-term measures work with other agencies to implement comprehensive long-term security measures so as to ensure the safety and well-being of all Judges, Judicial Officers, staff, and court users.
