Courts in the five disease infested counties closed to the public

Courts, tribunals and all registries in Nairobi, Machakos, Kajiado, Kiambu and Nakuru counties shall from today be closed to the public until further notice.

This follows the directive by the president that there be a partial lockdown in five counties to curb the spread of Covid-19.

Acting Chief Justice Philomena Mwilu directed Sunday that any matters requiring a hearing during the period under these guidelines shall be by way of virtual hearing.

“Like all other sectors, the Judiciary and the rest of the criminal and civil justice agencies were asked to take immediate action to eliminate non-essential physical contact or situations within our areas of the mandate that may lead to crowding or the propagation of the disease,” she said.

She added that in Nairobi county, matters under certificate of urgency shall continue to be filed using the e-filing system accessible online.

In Kiambu, Kajiado, Machakos and Nakuru, certificates of urgency shall be presented by way of e-filing.

Further, all criminal pleas and urgent hearings shall be handled virtually in all courts in the five zoned counties and the Presiding Judges and Heads of Stations/Divisions in consultation with their Bar- Bench and Court Users Committees shall issue guidelines to address any unique issues arising in their jurisdictions.

Mwilu said each court station, tribunal, directorate and implementing unit in the zoned area shall develop and submit a weekly duty roster to the Chief Registrar of the Judiciary ensuring that only 30 per cent of staff are in the office at any given time.

“The guidelines shall be reviewed as circumstances allow, and updates shall be given on a needs basis,” she added.

Mwilu said the government has prioritised the vaccination of all persons aged 58 years and above.