The Judiciary has refuted allegations of misappropriating over Ksh 73 million in public funds meant for constructing a Small Claims Court in Kasarani, Nairobi. The claims, which have been circulating on social media, were dismissed as misleading by Judiciary Spokesperson Paul Ndemo.
In a statement, Ndemo clarified that the National Treasury had never disbursed the funds due to budget cuts across the public sector. He assured the public that the Judiciary remains dedicated to enhancing access to justice, including the establishment of Small Claims Courts in Kasarani, Mihang’o, and Huruma, with funds allocated in the next financial year.
Ndemo emphasized that the Judiciary’s broader strategy includes setting up a Magistrate’s Court in every sub-county and a High Court in every county, in line with its Social Transformation through Access to Justice blueprint. He reiterated the crucial role Small Claims Courts play in Nairobi’s densely populated areas, where many residents rely on small and medium enterprises.
Small Claims Courts handle cases valued at up to Ksh 1 million and aim to resolve disputes within 60 days. This initiative improves the business environment, fosters social empowerment, and supports gender justice.
Initially, the Judiciary collaborated with the now-defunct Nairobi Metropolitan Services (NMS) to construct Small Claims Courts in Dagoretti, Kasarani, Mihang’o, and Huruma. The Dagoretti Law Courts were completed and officially inaugurated by Chief Justice Martha Koome on October 11, 2024. Within its first 100 days, the court received 820 case filings, resolving 562, including 103 Small Claims cases out of 216 filed.
Following NMS’s dissolution, the Judiciary assumed full responsibility for the remaining courts through a Deed of Novation signed on March 28, 2023. The tender for Kasarani Law Courts was awarded in April 2024 at a cost of Ksh 73,156,617, but the project was put on hold due to a 50 percent reduction in the Judiciary’s development budget.
Ndemo reaffirmed the Judiciary’s commitment to completing the Kasarani, Mihang’o, and Huruma courts, stating that construction will proceed once funds are available in the upcoming budget cycle.
