The Rift valley Law Society has lamented over the shortage of judges in the Nakuru Law courts, which has affected the prevalence of judicial proceedings.
Through the chairman, David Mongeri, lawyers urged the Chief justice, Willy Mutunga to intervene and address the issue, as it has crippled the provision of better services in the corridors of power.
Currently, there are only three high court judges in the Nakuru courts, and in turn this has led to the delay of loads of matters which are pending determination.
This is according to Lawyer Mong’eri, who has confirmed that they are drafting a petition to the Chief justice so as have more judges stationed in the County.
He noted that the Environment and Lands Court has been the most affected as there is only judges who presides in more than five counties.
“The judge sits in Samburu, Bomet, Nakuru and Kericho amongst other counties and this has become hectic as the judge can only handle two matters in a day,” he said.
The lawyers said that this has created a go slow in the way proceedings are handled and has affected them as clients are losing faith in their lawyers
Former RVLS chairman, Benard Ng’etich said the shortage of judges has affected their delivery of services as they are forced to take dates in the 2016 calendar to have matters mentioned for further directions.
“One is advised to take a date in the High court registry as Judge’s calendars are fully booked prompting one to schedule a matter as far as next year, “he said
On another note, the current chairman confirmed that they had embarked on a project to rehabilitate the Nakuru court in a bid to ensure proper delivery of services.
Speaking to our reporter, he said that they were seeking to establish a complex, which would house more courts and amenities that would facilitate efficiency in the judicial process.
The complex will hold five High courts, more than five magistrate courts with two children courts, witness protection and better holding areas for criminals.
The project set to begin in May this year will be funded by World Bank, and is aimed at creating a better environment for the people accessing the corridors of power.