The Judiciary raised concern about the 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.
In a statement on February 14, 2026, Chief Registrar of the Judiciary Winfridah Mokaya said the station has become a health hazard for judges, staff, and the public.
The danger stems from a major construction project in immediate proximity to the court premises, which currently sits on land provided by the County Government of Kiambu. The Judiciary says the works have severely compromised the air quality thus dangerous for vulnerable persons and the noise and chaos of the site are undermining the dignity of the court.
Adding to the environmental distress, the location is also being used by the County Government as a parking hub for garbage collection trucks. This has resulted in a persistent foul odor and significant hygiene concerns. The situation recently sparked a peaceful march by members of the Law Society of Kenya (LSK), who took to the streets to demand a safer working environment for advocates and their clients.
In response to these escalating risks, the Judiciary convened a Bar–Bench meeting on February 11 to establish immediate mitigation strategies. It was resolved that the court will now prioritize virtual operations, shifting hearings and the delivery of judgments to digital platforms to reduce physical exposure to the hazardous site.
For matters that strictly require in-person attendance due to the nature of evidence or legal requirements, consultations are currently underway to identify a suitable alternative venue that ensures security and user-friendliness.
A Court Users Committee (CUC) meeting has been scheduled for Wednesday, February 18, 2026, to bring together the County Government, security agencies, and justice sector actors to find a coordinated way forward.
