Chief Justice Martha Koome addressing the members of forth estate in Kakamega county head quarters
The Chief Justice of Kenya, Martha Koome, announced two new courts, a Court of Appeal bench in Kakamega and a Small Claims Court in Mumias town, on 5th August 2026.
Speaking during a joint presser at Kakamega County headquarters, the Chief Justice said that the main aim is to bring services closer to residents, speed up hearings, and clear case backlogs. “We will continue to work together so that those sub-counties in Kakamega that do not have magistrates get them, respectively, to ease traveling costs to residents who have been traveling to Kisumu and Nakuru” Koome added.
On the other hand, Kakamega County Governor Fernandes Barasa welcomed the announcement and added that the County and the Judiciary have agreed to operationalize County Courts at the Kakamega Law Courts to handle cases on county laws and enforcement. He also said that residents in northern parts of Kakamega (Likuyani Constituency) will also be provided with a magistrate court.
Kakamega County Governor Fernandes Barasa with Chief Justice Martha Koome sharing light moments in the county headquarters office
The press briefing also comprised Director of Public Prosecutions Renson Ingonga, who cautioned politicians against hate speech and recruiting criminal gangs, warning that offenders will face the full force of the law. He urged Kenyans to cooperate with security agencies to maintain peace and stability. “Inflammatory statements and goonism should stop; anyone found will face the law. We must be ready to support the peace we need in this country” DPP Igonga urged.