Chief Justice Martha Koome has designated four Magistrates’ Courts as Special Magistrates’ Courts to hear and determine cases involving the possession and trafficking of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances with both domestic and international dimensions.
In a Gazette Notice dated January 15, 2026, Chief Justice Koome said the designation was made pursuant to the Constitution of Kenya and Section 5(2)(c) of the Judicial Service Act.
The courts selected to handle the specialised cases are the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) Magistrates’ Court, Kahawa Magistrates’ Court, Mombasa Magistrates’ Court, and Busia Magistrates’ Court.
According to the notice, the move is aimed at strengthening the adjudication of narcotics-related offences, particularly those linked to international trafficking routes and cross-border criminal networks.
The designated courts are strategically located at key transit points, including the country’s main international airport, a major port city, and critical land border crossings.
Chief Justice Koome, who is also the President of the Supreme Court, said the decision aligns with ongoing judicial reforms focused on enhancing efficiency, consistency, and specialised expertise in the handling of complex criminal cases.
Kenya has in recent years intensified efforts to curb drug trafficking, with law enforcement agencies and the judiciary facing growing pressure to ensure swift, effective, and coordinated prosecution of individuals involved in the illicit drug trade.
The designation of the specialised courts is expected to bolster the country’s fight against narcotics by improving case management and expediting the determination of drug-related offences.
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