By Bella Ikida and Isaac Esitika
Kisumu took a historic stride toward deepening access to justice and judicial reforms today as the county led by Governor Prof. Anyang Nyong’o hosted Chief Justice Martha Koome for the official launch of the county’s first Tribunals Shared Services and the handover of the newly constructed City Court and Alternative Justice System (AJS) suites in Kisumu.
Governor Prof. Peter Anyang’ Nyong’o hailed the initiative as a “new dawn for justice in Kisumu,” emphasizing that this is a real milestone in the delivery of judicial justice in this county
While addressing the launch at the Lake Victoria South Water Works Development, Governor Nyong’o said,“We gathered here not just to cut ribbons, but to celebrate a momentous step forward in our collective journey and more just accessible and people centred judicial system”
The launch and handover of the City court marks yet another county milestone in a series of judicial developments in Kisumu under Chief Justice Koome’s and Governor Nyong’o leadership.
Governor Nyong’o extended his gratitude to the Judiciary of Kenya, led by the Chief Justice, for their commitment to social transformation through enhanced access to justice.
He acknowledged the Chief Justice’s unwavering commitment to the principles of social transformation through access to justice blueprint, noting that her presence signified a strong partnership between the different arms of government.
Governor Nyong’o also recognized the contributions of various stakeholders, including the Judicial Service Commission, judicial officers, county government officials, national government representatives, and the public who have contributed their expertise, resources, and their wavering support to bring these standing facilities to life.
The county has already seen the implementation of e-filing, the establishment of a Small Claims Court , a Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) Court and an Alternative Justice System (AJS) court all of which underscore the county’s and the Judiciary vision of social transformation through access to justice.
Deputy Governor Dr. Owili also praised CJ Koome’s consistent presence and commitment to judicial reform in Kisumu. “Madam Chief Justice, you have not only led these changes, you have personally come here to launch them. Your actions speak volumes,” he said.
The newly launched Tribunals Shared Services centre aims to consolidate and streamline tribunal operations, housing bodies such as the Rent Restriction Tribunal, the Business Premises Rent Tribunal, and others under one roof.
The setup is expected to cut red tape, speed up case resolution, and reduce burdens on citizens who often travel long distances to access these services.
According to CJ Koome, over 250 cases have already passed through the doors of the new centre in just three weeks. Seventy-three cases are currently registered, and it is only the beginning.
Calls were also made to expand the same judicial infrastructure into more Sub-Counties like Nyakach and Muhoroni, reflecting a broader public desire for deeper, more widespread justice accessibility.
Also present during the launch and handover were the Deputy Governor Dr. Matthew Owili, Supreme Court Judge William Ouko, alongside Judicial Service Commission (JSC) members, Kisumu County Commissioner Benson Leparmorijo.
Representing the county executive were CECMs Judith Oluoch (Environment), John Awiti (Education), and Farida (Trade), County Attorney Otieno Aluoka as well as the City Manager Abala Wanga Additionally, representatives from the Judiciary and Law Society of Kenya (LSK) were present.
Members of the National and Kisumu county assembly in attendance included Joshua Oron, Ruth Odinga, and Shakeel Shabbir, alongside Deputy Speaker Nereah Okombo and Chief Whip Seth Kanga.
