The judiciary has established a High Court sub-registry in Iten Town, Elgeyo Marakwet County, 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 the same at Iten law Courts,” said Justice Reuben Nyakundi, the presiding Judge Eldoret High Court.
Justice Nyakundi was speaking at Iten law Courts on Thursday, February 23, 2023, during the official commencement of the High Court operations where the High Court sub-registry was launched.
The brief ceremony was graced by Elgeyo Marakwet 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 Charles Kutwa and 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.
Land for court
Addressing the occasion, Professor Cheserek said the County government has offered to donate two acres of land towards the establishment of the Court infrastructure.
She also challenged the Judiciary to enhance the establishment of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) in the management of land feuds.
“Use of elders in handling land matters is cheaper and less hectic than undergoing through the tiresome litigation process,” said Cheserek.
“The communities in this region need a culture change and paradigm shift to change their attitude and embrace Alternative Dispute Resolution,” Justice Nyakundi added.
He further said restorative justice is very helpful because it saves young people from languishing in Criminal Justice System.
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.
Julius Maiyo, the local Deputy County Commissioner called on the local community to utilize the new Iten High Court Sub-Registry.
On his party, the LSK North Rift chairperson said the establishment of the Court in Iten will lead to an expansion of their legal practice and access to justice.
