Four Magistrates’ Courts Designated to Handle Drug Trafficking Cases
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The Chief Justice Martha Koome has officially designated four key Magistrates’ Courts as specialized centers for handling high-level drug trafficking cases according to Gazette Notices published on January 16, 2026.
According to Gazette Notice No. 387, courts will now have the specific mandate to hear and determine cases involving the possession and trafficking of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances, particularly those with municipal and international dimensions.
Strategic Locations for Judicial Oversight
The four courts were chosen in a deliberate attempt to target important transit hubs and border crossings where drug smuggling is most common.
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The “Special Magistrates’ Courts” that have been designated are:
- Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) Magistrates’ Court (Nairobi)
- Kahawa Magistrates’ Court (Kiambu/Nairobi)
- Mombasa Magistrates’ Court (Coast Region)
- Busia Magistrates’ Court (Western Border)
Strengthening the Legal Framework
According to the notice, this decision was designated pursuant to the Constitution of Kenya and Section 5 (2) (c) of the Judicial Service Act to hear and determine cases of possession and trafficking in narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances with municipal and international dimensions.
“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 Kenya designates the Magistrates’ Courts named below as Special Magistrates Courts to hear and determine cases of possession and trafficking in narcotic drugs and sychotropic substances with municipal and international dimensions,” Gazette Notice No. 387 read.
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Impact on the Justice System
The Kahawa Magistrates’ Court has already served as a hub for cases involving organized crime and counterterrorism.
The court that is based at Kamiti GK Prison handles anti-terrorism cases, human trafficking, wildlife poaching and trafficking and drug trafficking
A “judicial shield” is created across Kenya’s main entry and exit points by including JKIA, Mombasa, and Busia in this specialized list.
The directive took effect immediately upon the signing of the notice on January 15, 2026.
“This designation will take effect on the date of this Gazette Notice. Dated the 15th January, 2026,” Gazette Notice No. 387 further read.
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Chief Justice Martha Koome Speaking during the official opening ofthe Employment and Labour Relations Court Annual Symposium (ELRASE III), PHOTO/ Koome X Account