The judiciary has drawn a new battle line in the war against narcotics, with Chief Justice Martha Koome designating four specific magistrates' courts to exclusively handle drug trafficking cases. The move aims to dismantle the legal bottlenecks that have allowed barons to exploit the justice system.

In a Gazette Notice dated January 15, 2026, the Chief Justice operationalized the Special Magistrates’ Courts at strategic entry and exit points: Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA), Kahawa, Mombasa, and Busia. These courts are now empowered to hear and determine cases involving the possession and trafficking of narcotic drugs with both "municipal and international dimensions."

Ending the "Revolving Door"

The decision follows a direct directive from the Executive, with President William Ruto and Interior CS Kipchumba Murkomen recently decrying the slow pace of justice. "We catch them, they go to court, they get bail, and they are back in business the next day," CS Murkomen stated earlier this week. "That cycle ends now."

The specialized courts will operate with dedicated prosecutors and magistrates trained in the complexities of international drug laws and asset recovery. The goal is to reduce case conclusion times from years to weeks.

• Strategic Locations:
  • JKIA: The primary gateway for international mules.
  • Mombasa: The port city, historically the nerve center of the heroin trade.
  • Busia: The porous border with Uganda, a key transit route for cannabis and psychotropic substances.
  • Kahawa: Known for its secure facility, likely to handle high-risk terror-linked drug cases.

A Multi-Agency Approach

This judicial reform complements the aggressive stance taken by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) and the Anti-Narcotics Unit. By centralizing these cases, the Judiciary hopes to create a repository of expertise and consistency in sentencing.

However, legal experts warn that efficiency must not come at the cost of fair trial rights. "Speed is good, but justice must be thorough," cautioned a representative from the Law Society of Kenya. As the courts open their doors, the first batch of suspects is already lined up, and the country is watching to see if the gavel will finally strike hard enough to crack the cartels.