NAIROBI, Kenya, June 22 – The Judiciary has established a new Environment and Land Court (ELC) in Mavoko Sub-County, Machakos County, in a move aimed at improving access to justice in land and environmental disputes.
The establishment of the court was announced through a Gazette Notice issued by Chief Justice and President of the Supreme Court Martha Koome.
The specialised court will hear and determine disputes relating to environmental planning and protection, land use, occupation and ownership, as well as matters involving title to land.
Its jurisdiction also covers cases involving adverse possession, environmental conservation, natural resource management and other land-related disputes.
The new court is expected to ease pressure on existing judicial stations while bringing services closer to residents and businesses in the rapidly growing Mavoko area, which has experienced increasing land and property disputes due to urban expansion.
According to the Judiciary, the Environment and Land Court currently has 51 judges serving in 40 courts and three sub-registries across the country, including stations in Nakuru, Milimani, Mombasa and Kisumu.
The creation of the Mavoko court forms part of ongoing efforts by the Judiciary to decentralise services and improve the timely resolution of land and environmental cases.
