Chief Justice Martha Koome has designated four Magistrates’ Courts as Special Magistrates’ Courts to handle cases involving possession and trafficking of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances, especially those with both local and international links.
In a Gazette Notice dated January 15, 2026, Chief Justice Koome said the appointments were made under the Constitution of Kenya and Section 5(2)(c) of the Judicial Service Act.
The courts selected to hear and determine the specialised narcotics cases are:
JKIA Magistrates’ Court
Kahawa Magistrates’ Court
Mombasa Magistrates’ Court
Busia Magistrates’ Court
The Chief Justice said the move is aimed at strengthening the handling of narcotics-related offences, particularly matters connected to international trafficking routes and cross-border criminal networks.
The designated courts are located in strategic areas associated with transit and border movement, including Kenya’s main international airport, the coastal port city of Mombasa, and key entry and exit points at Busia.
CJ Koome, who also serves as the President of the Supreme Court, said the decision is part of ongoing judicial reforms intended to improve efficiency, consistency and specialised expertise when dealing with complex criminal cases.
Kenya has in recent years increased efforts to fight drug trafficking as law enforcement agencies and the courts face growing pressure to ensure swift and effective prosecution of suspects involved in the illicit drug trade.
