By Andrew Kariuki
Chief Justice Martha Koome has designated four magistrates’ courts as special courts to hear and determine cases involving possession and trafficking of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances.
In a Gazette Notice dated January 15, 2026, issued under the Constitution of Kenya and Section 5(2)(c) of the Judicial Service Act, the Chief Justice named the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport Magistrates Court, Kahawa Magistrates Court, Mombasa Magistrates Court and Busia Magistrates Court as specialised courts for such matters.
According to the notice, the designated courts will handle narcotics cases with both municipal and international dimensions, reflecting the complexity and cross-border nature of drug-related offences.
The designation takes effect immediately from the date of the Gazette Notice.
The move is intended to streamline the handling of drug trafficking cases by concentrating them in selected courts with the capacity to deal with complex investigations and prosecutions involving narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances.
