On 30th June 2025, a meeting of the Kikuyu Court Users Committee (CUC) was held at the Kabete Deputy County Commissioner’s (DCC) offices. The session was chaired by Justice Mshila, the Presiding Judge, together with Hon. Gicheha, the Head of Station (HOS) at Kikuyu Law Courts. The meeting mainly focused on the ongoing efforts to sustain court operations following recent disruptions and damage to court infrastructure.
Temporary Relocation of Kikuyu Law Courts
To ensure continuity of court services, the Kabete Constituency Development Fund (CDF) offices have been offered as a temporary court station. While this arrangement is in place, Kikuyu town will remain the central location for most court activities.
The Kikuyu Business Community has stepped in to rehabilitate the court registry container, which will now act as the temporary receiving registry. Court sessions will proceed in improvised spaces, including the police station’s canteen and chapel. Customer care services will also continue within the court compound.
In addition, Kabete will act as a mobile court. Initially, it will serve as a sub-registry handling civil and succession matters specific to Kabete. In the near future, it will also accommodate visiting magistrates from Kikuyu. The Kabete CDF office will assist in setting up basic infrastructure to support these operations. The effectiveness of this setup will be reviewed after 30 days.
Progress on Court Land and Title Deeds
Efforts are underway to secure the title deed for the land on which the Kikuyu Law Courts stand. Both the Kikuyu MCA and the DCC are actively following up on this matter. To streamline this process and resolve broader concerns about court land, a special committee will be formed. The committee will be chaired by the HOS Kikuyu and will oversee land issues for both the Kikuyu and Kabete court stations.
Handling of Title Deeds and Logbooks Used as Bond
The Court Administrator has begun compiling records of title deeds and logbooks that had been submitted to court as bond securities. Each case will be handled individually once the related matter is concluded. Parties affected are required to file the necessary documents to support their claims. To ease the burden on the public, the HOS will liaise with the Land Registrar to explore the possibility of waiving fees for replacing lost or damaged documents.
Land Control Board Still Functional
Despite recent fire damage to its offices, the Land Control Board has confirmed that all its files are intact. Its activities remain uninterrupted, and the next sitting will be held outdoors at the same site this coming Thursday. This ensures that land transactions and approvals will continue without delay.
Public Information and Awareness
There is a need to inform the public about the new arrangements and how court services are being delivered. The HOS intends to request the Chief Registrar of the Judiciary (CRJ) to release a public notice through various media platforms. This move aims to keep all court users updated and reduce confusion.
Court Operations: Pleas, Mentions, and Warrants
Plea-taking for criminal matters will now be handled at the Limuru Law Courts, but registration will continue at the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) in Kikuyu. Mentions and direction hearings will proceed as scheduled in the cause lists and will be facilitated virtually through links provided by judicial officers in Kikuyu. Litigants and lawyers are reminded to log in through the correct links.
Advocates are encouraged to consider diversion in appropriate criminal cases—a method that allows certain matters to be resolved outside of a full court trial, saving time and resources.
In relation to warrants of arrest, the court has stated it will treat accused persons on bond with leniency, although decisions will be made based on individual case circumstances.
Call for Support and Contributions
All stakeholders, including members of the public, are asked to support the court’s recovery. Contributions in cash or materials are welcome. The Law Society of Kenya (LSK) Kikuyu Practice Centre has received permission to run a fundraising initiative to purchase much-needed equipment for the court. While the initiative is led by advocates, all well-wishers are encouraged to contribute.
The Judiciary and its partners remain committed to restoring full court operations in Kikuyu. The rebuilding process depends heavily on collaboration and continued public support. The CUC thanked everyone who has offered help so far and urged for the same spirit of cooperation going forward.
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