- Courts in Kibera will now operate on Saturdays.
- The move targets suspects held from Friday to Monday over minor cases.
- Bail and bond will be issued online under a pilot plan.
- Citizens raised concerns about bail refunds, delays, and corruption.
- Judiciary leaders pledged reforms and better access to justice.
Chief Justice Martha Koome has ordered Kibera Law Courts to begin operating on Saturdays as part of efforts to protect suspects arrested for small offences.
The decision aims to stop the common practice where people picked up on Fridays are kept in police cells until Monday, even when their cases are minor.
Speaking in Kibera, CJ Koome said courts there will start issuing cash bail and bonds virtually on Saturdays.
She explained that the pilot project will first be tested in Kibera before a possible rollout to other courts across the country.
The directive followed strong views shared by residents during the Judiciary’s nationwide Dialogue Day with citizens.
Some members of the public complained that suspects facing serious crimes are often released quickly, while others said they never got their bail money back after winning their cases.
One resident, Elsy Mwendwa, told the forum she paid the bond, cleared her case, but was later told to follow up with the government for a refund that never came.
Judicial officers present defended the bail process, stating that the bond is refundable and belongs to the person who paid it.
They urged members of the public to follow proper procedures when claiming refunds and reporting challenges.
Local leaders also weighed in, calling the Friday-to-Monday detentions unfair and open to abuse.
Kibera MP Peter Orero questioned why minor offenders, such as drunk individuals arrested on Fridays, should spend the whole weekend in custody instead of being granted cash bail.
Residents further raised concerns about delays in sexual violence cases.
In response, senior principal magistrate Irene Kahuya said Kibera courts already dedicate Tuesdays and Thursdays to gender-based violence cases, with most decisions made within six months.
In Kisii, citizens raised issues touching on corruption and access to justice.
Judicial officers there assured the public of their commitment to integrity and service, saying justice goes beyond courtrooms.
Justice Teresa Odera and Magistrate Bernard Mwanza noted that mediation and alternative dispute resolution are being encouraged for simple cases.
CJ Koome said the Judiciary will continue reviewing laws and practices that disadvantage ordinary citizens.
She stressed that no Kenyan should suffer unnecessary detention simply because of the day they were arrested.
