Kenya’s Judiciary has expressed serious concern about deteriorating occupational health and safety conditions at the Environment and Land Court (ELC) in Thika, warning that ongoing construction and poor sanitation are now threatening the delivery of justice.
Health Hazards at the Court
In a statement issued on February 14, 2026, Chief Registrar of the Judiciary Winfridah Mokaya described the station as a health hazard for judges, staff, and the public. The court premises, located on land provided by the County Government of Kiambu, are currently surrounded by a major construction project. The Judiciary noted that air quality has been severely compromised, posing risks to vulnerable persons, while noise and disruption undermine the dignity of court proceedings.
Adding to the environmental distress, the site is being used as a parking hub for garbage collection trucks, resulting in persistent foul odors and hygiene concerns. The situation recently prompted members of the Law Society of Kenya (LSK) to stage a peaceful march demanding a safer working environment for advocates and their clients.
Judiciary’s Response
To mitigate the risks, the Judiciary convened a Bar–Bench meeting on February 11, where it was resolved that the court will prioritize virtual operations. Hearings and delivery of judgments will now shift to digital platforms to reduce physical exposure to the hazardous site.
For matters requiring in-person attendance due to the nature of evidence or legal requirements, consultations are underway to identify a suitable alternative venue that ensures security and user-friendliness.
Next Steps
A Court Users Committee (CUC) meeting has been scheduled for Wednesday, February 18, 2026, bringing together the County Government, security agencies, and justice sector actors to chart a coordinated way forward.
The Judiciary’s intervention highlights the growing importance of workplace safety in Kenya’s justice system, as courts balance their constitutional mandate with the realities of environmental and infrastructural challenges.
