High Court established in Iten
The judiciary has established a High Court sub-registry at Iten, which is a precursor to the establishment of a high Court.
Going forward, matters from Elgeyo Marakwet that require the jurisdiction of the High Court shall be heard and determined at Iten Law Courts.
“You do not have to travel to Eldoret from Elgeyo Marakwet to file a Court Case or appeal when you can do thesame at Iten law Courts,” said Hon Justice Reuben Nyakundi, the presiding Judge Eldoret High Court.
Justice Nyakundi was speaking at Iten law Courts on Thursday during the official commencement of the High Court operations where the High Court sub-registry was launched.
The brief ceremony was graced by Deputy Governor Prof. Grace Cheserek and attended by a host of national and County government officials and members of the Civil Society of Kenya.
Also present included Iten Senior Principal Magistrate Hon. Charles kutwa and Hon. Lady Justice Lucy Waithaka of the Land and Environment Court, County Secretary Paul Chemmuttut alongside Northrift Law Society of Kenya LSK branch official Henry Kenei.
*2 acres donation*
Addressing the occasion, Professor Cheserek said the County government has offered to donate 2 acres of land towards establishment of the Court infrastructure.
She also challenged the Judiciary to enhance establishment of Alternative Dispute Resolution ADR in management of land feuds.
” Use of elders in handling land matters is cheaper and less hectic than undergoing through tiresome litigation process,” said Cheserek.
The Deputy Governor also said the County government of Elgeyo Marakwet will partner with the judiciary to establish a small Court that will deal with miscellaneous cases related to Municipality.
Mr.Julius Maiyo, the local Deputy County Commissioner called on the local community to utilize the facility but most importantly ensure they exhausted Alternative Dispute Resolution mechanism before instituting litigation.
Mr Kenei however said the Law Society of Kenya LSK appreciate the establishment of the Court in Iten saying it was an expansion of their legal practice and access to justice.
Reacting to speakers’ remarks, Justice Nyakundi said the local community ought to embrace attitude change so that they recognise the role of elders in arbitration.
“The communities in this region need a culture change and paradigm shift to change their attitude and embrace Alternative Dispute Resolution” said the Justice.
He said restorative justice is very helpful because it saves young people from languishing in Criminal Justice System.
Notable advocates of the High Court of Kenya drawn from the county George Kimaiyo, Ledisha Kipseii and Edwin Barmao were also present.
Post Author
