NACADA Board Chair Dr. Stephen Mairori on Monday, October 19 morning paid a courtesy call on Chief Justice Martha Koome, where he praised the Judiciary for establishing specialized courts to hear cases involving possession and trafficking of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances.
The meeting focused on strengthening the justice system’s response to drug abuse and organized crime.
Dr. Mairori requested additional specialized magistrates’ courts in Embu and Eldoret to improve coverage and the reinstatement of Shanzu Law Court in Mombasa as a specialized court.
He also called for establishment of a High Court with specialized jurisdiction over organized crime.
“We appreciate the specialized courts already in place, but coverage must expand. Embu and Eldoret need dedicated magistrates’ courts, and Shanzu should be reinstated to serve the Coast region effectively,” he said.
The NACADA Chair further sought capacity building and training for judicial officers and court users on alcohol and drug abuse issues, research and information sharing on drug abuse and crime data, and joint public education and prevention programs.
He advocated a better collaboration approach between NACADA and the Judiciary, including modalities for setting up recovery treatment courts.
Chief Justice Koome welcomed the proposals, saying the Judiciary remains committed to a coordinated response.
“The Judiciary is ready to deepen collaboration with NACADA. Training, data sharing and public education are critical, and we will explore modalities for recovery treatment courts to ensure justice is both firm and restorative,” she said.
Both parties agreed to strengthen inter-agency cooperation, with technical teams expected to meet to develop frameworks on training, information sharing and the proposed specialized courts.
