Judiciary shifts Thika ELC operations online over health and safety concerns
The Judiciary of Kenya has rolled out urgent measures to safeguard staff and court users at the Environment and Land Court (ELC) in Thika following serious health, safety and service-delivery concerns at the station.
In a statement issued by Chief Registrar Winfridah Mokaya, the Judiciary said the Thika-based court — one of the busiest ELC stations in the country — is currently operating from premises provided by the County Government of Kiambu within a donated facility.
The concerns stem from an ongoing major construction project adjacent to the court premises, which has generated significant dust and debris, affecting air quality and posing health risks to Judges, judicial officers, advocates, staff and litigants.
The Judiciary noted that vulnerable groups — including children, older persons and individuals with respiratory conditions — are particularly exposed to the hazards.
In addition, the same compound is reportedly being used as a parking point for garbage collection trucks by the county government, leading to persistent foul odour and hygiene concerns. The situation, the Judiciary said, undermines the dignity of court proceedings and creates an environment unsuitable for sustained court operations and public access to justice.
The statement acknowledged a peaceful march staged by members of the Law Society of Kenya (LSK) to highlight the issue, terming the matter urgent due to its implications on staff welfare, public health and institutional integrity.
Following a Bar-Bench meeting held on February 11, 2026, stakeholders agreed on immediate risk-mitigation measures.
Among the resolutions reached is the prioritization of virtual hearings and online delivery of rulings and judgments for matters suitable for remote handling.
The Judiciary said this will reduce physical exposure to the hazardous environment while ensuring continuity of services.
For cases that must be heard physically — particularly where the law or evidence-taking requires in-person attendance — consultations are ongoing to identify an alternative venue and practical modalities to guarantee orderly scheduling and security.
Multi-Agency Meeting Scheduled
A Court Users Committee (CUC) meeting has been scheduled for February 18, 2026, bringing together representatives from the Judiciary, the Bar, the County Government, security agencies and other justice sector actors to chart a coordinated way forward.
The Judiciary urged LSK representatives in the CUC to participate fully to ensure practical and inclusive interventions.
Chief Registrar Mokaya reaffirmed the Judiciary’s commitment to delivering justice while upholding the highest standards of safety, dignity of service and responsible governance, even as efforts continue to secure a long-term solution for appropriate ELC premises in Thika.