Nandi residents have received the news to establish a High Court by the Judiciary after 47 years of waiting with a relief. The County has been operating with one Court, Kapsabet Law Court since it is establishment in 1970 by the then Chief Justice His Lordship M.K Mwendwa.
Speaking when he officially received documents of title by Nandi County governor HE Dr. Cleophas Lagat, Justice David Maraga, Chief Justice and President of the Supreme Court expressed his gratitude to the County government of Nandi for the gesture, noting that the establishment of the Court was done in accordance with the High Court Act which mandates every County to have it is own High Court, adding that they will establish more courts at the Sub County level in the County and particularly Songhor in Tindiret Sub County , Kaptumo in Aldai Sub County and Kabiyet in Mosop Sub County where the County government have donated the parcels of land.
Further, Hon. Maraga revealed that funds totaling to Ksh. 367million meant for project were ready and infrastructural development would commence in January next year once the tendering process is finalized, ‘’ The construction of Nandi High Court will begin next year, we already have funds and the procurement process is in progress and will end by December’’ added CJ Maraga.
On his part Nandi County government HE Dr. Cleophas has welcomed the move to establish the Court, noting that it has been his dream to see that the Justice delivery is brought closer to the residents, ’As the first governor of this County it has been my dream to see that Justice delivery is brought closer to my people and access to higher Judicial jurisdiction’’ he added.
Additionally, governor Lagat said that the establishment of the Court was a relief to the residents as it would ease backlog of cases which had considerably increased and enhance access to justice.
According to a recent report illegal manufacture and consumption of liquor remains a bigger challenge in the County. The reports further reveals that the County continues to lose immense resources and lives from alcohol related cases. In Kapsabet Laws at least Ksh. 2million of fines is collected monthly totaling to Ksh. 24million of fines yearly.
Moreover, Lagat has expressed optimism with the establishment of the Court and called on all the stakeholders to join hands in eradicating the problem,’’ It is my hope that with the establishment of the High court in Kapsabet and with the corporation of other stakeholders including the corrective services we will find a better solution to this problem’’ added Lagat. Present also during the event were Presiding Judge Hon Kanyi Kimondo, SPM Hon Dolphina Alego, County Commissioner Mrs Lucy Mulili, County Officials , Court Users Committee (CUC) among others.