CJ Martha Koome
Chief Justice Martha Koome has designated four courts to handle cases involving possession and trafficking of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances.
In a gazette notice dated January 15, 2026, CJ Koome said the cases will from now on be heard specifically at JKIA, Kahawa, Busia, and Mombasa Magistrates’ Courts.
The Chief Justice also noted that the designation of the four courts takes effect immediately.
“Pursuant to the provisions of the Constitution of Kenya and section 5 (2) (c) of the Judicial Service Act, the Chief Justice of the Republic of Kenya designates the Magistrates’ Courts named below as Special Magistrates’ Courts to hear and determine cases of possession and trafficking in narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances with municipal and international dimensions: Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) Magistrates’ Court, Kahawa Magistrates’ Court, Mombasa Magistrates’ Court; and Busia Magistrates’ Court. This designation will take effect on the date of this Gazette Notice,” read the notice.
In a statement after the designation, the Ministry of Interior welcomed the move, noting that serious drug cases involving locals and foreigners will from now on be heard and determined in the four law courts.
“It’s official. Four Magistrates’ Courts have been designated to handle cases involving possession and trafficking of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances.
“Serious drug cases with local or international elements will from now on be heard specifically at JKIA, Kahawa, Busia, and Mombasa Magistrates’ Courts,” the Ministry stated.
The Interior Ministry also said, together with the Judiciary, they aim to improve efficiency in handling drug-related cases, especially those linked to airports, ports, borders, and major transit points.
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