Chief Justice Martha Koome has designated four Magistrates’ Courts as Special Magistrates’ Courts to exclusively hear and determine cases involving the possession and trafficking of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances, including those with international dimensions.
In a Gazette Notice dated January 15, 2026, the Chief Justice stated that the designation was made pursuant to the Constitution of Kenya and Section 5(2)(c) of the Judicial Service Act.
Courts Selected
The following courts have been designated to handle specialised narcotics-related cases:
- Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) Magistrates’ Court
- Kahawa Magistrates’ Court
- Mombasa Magistrates’ Court
- Busia Magistrates’ Court
Strategic Importance
According to the notice, the move is intended to strengthen the handling of narcotics offences, particularly those linked to international trafficking routes and cross-border criminal networks. The selected courts are strategically located in areas critical to Kenya’s fight against drug trafficking:
- JKIA as the country’s main international airport
- Mombasa as a major port city
- Busia as a key border point
- Kahawa as a hub for high-profile criminal cases
Judicial Reforms
Chief Justice Koome, who also serves as the President of the Supreme Court, emphasized that the designation aligns with ongoing judicial reforms aimed at enhancing efficiency, consistency, and expertise in adjudicating complex criminal cases.
She noted that specialized courts will ensure that narcotics-related offences are handled with the urgency and precision required, given their impact on national security and public health.
National Context
Kenya has in recent years intensified efforts to combat drug trafficking. Law enforcement agencies and the judiciary remain under pressure to ensure swift and effective prosecution of offenders involved in the illicit drug trade.
The establishment of Special Magistrates’ Courts marks a significant step in bolstering Kenya’s judicial capacity to address narcotics-related crimes, particularly those with international and cross-border dimensions.
