Judiciary shifts Thika ELC operations online over safety and health concerns
By Cy Muganda, February 14, 2026The Judiciary has directed the Environment and Land Court (ELC) in Thika to prioritise virtual hearings following serious occupational health and safety concerns arising from ongoing construction and use of the court premises as a garbage truck parking point.
In a statement issued by Chief Registrar Winfridah Mokaya on Saturday, February 14, 2026, the Judiciary said the measures are aimed at protecting judges, judicial officers, staff, advocates and court users from health hazards while ensuring continuity of justice services.
“The Judiciary’s attention has been drawn to serious occupational health, safety and service-delivery concerns affecting the operations of the Environment and Land Court (ELC), Thika, which is among the busiest ELC stations in the country,” the statement read.
“We acknowledge the peaceful march held by a number of Law Society of Kenya (LSK) members yesterday to raise awareness regarding these concerns. The Judiciary treats the matter as urgent given its implications for staff welfare, public health, institutional integrity and continuity of justice services,” the statement added.
Health hazard
According to the Judiciary, a major construction project ongoing in close proximity to the court premises is generating significant dust and debris that adversely affects air quality.
“The works are generating significant dust and debris, adversely affecting air quality and creating a material health and safety hazard for Judges, judicial officers, staff, advocates and court users particularly vulnerable persons, including children, older persons and those with underlying respiratory conditions,” the statement said.
The Judiciary noted that the construction activity is also disrupting the court environment and undermining the dignity of service expected at a court station.
The Chief Registrar further revealed that the Kiambu County Government uses the same location as a parking point for garbage collection trucks, worsening conditions at the facility.
“In addition, the same location is used by the County Government as a parking point for garbage collection trucks, resulting in persistent foul odour, hygiene concerns and an overall environment that is unsuitable for sustained court operations and public access to justice,” the statement read.
In light of these, a Bar-Bench meeting was held on February 11, 2026, to agree on immediate risk-mitigation measures, and two main resolutions were reached.
First, the court will prioritise virtual hearings and virtual delivery of rulings and judgments for matters suitable for remote handling to reduce physical exposure while sustaining access to justice.
Second, for matters requiring physical hearings, consultations are ongoing to identify a suitable alternative venue.
Long-term solutions
Chief Registrar Mokaya emphasised that the interim measures are aimed at securing safety and well-being while the Judiciary pursues a durable, long-term solution for appropriate ELC premises in Thika.
“These interim measures are aimed at securing the safety and well-being of all court stakeholders while ensuring that the Court continues to discharge its constitutional mandate without avoidable interruption, even as the Judiciary pursues a durable, long-term solution for appropriate ELC premises in Thika,” she stated.
The Judiciary reaffirmed its commitment to delivering justice while upholding the highest standards of safety and dignity of service.
“The Judiciary remains committed to executing its mandate of the delivery of justice to all while upholding the highest standards of safety, dignity of service and responsible governance,” the statement concluded.