A Glimpse Into the New Kenya Supreme Court Complex

In an effort to alleviate the strain on office space and judge chambers, the Judiciary has announced plans to construct a new, high-cost complex to accommodate the Supreme Court.

The impressive new complex is set to be erected in the heart of Nairobi's central business district (CBD). The Judiciary is eager to construct a Supreme Court building that not only meets international standards but also represents the nation. This iconic structure will feature state-of-the-art ICT infrastructure, exceptional acoustics, environmentally friendly design, and adherence to all building regulations. The existing Supreme Court building on City Hall Way is exhibiting signs of deterioration and is facing overcrowding problems, as it also accommodates Court of Appeal judges.

In 2013, the Judiciary encountered a predicament when they rejected a rented office building in Upper Hill, Nairobi. The Judiciary's strategic plan outlines its intention to construct a cutting-edge complex that will encompass various modern amenities. Notably, this complex will include a separate section specifically designed for the Chief Justice, complete with a personal chamber and a boardroom that can accommodate 50 individuals. Furthermore, the Chief Justice's team of ten advisors will each have their own office within the new Supreme Court complex. To facilitate convenience, a designated parking area capable of accommodating 20 cars will be provided, along with a kitchen and a storage room.

The complex will also house the Deputy Chief Justice, who will have exclusive restroom facilities, a boardroom for 10 people, offices for legal advisers, and a reserved parking lot for 10 cars. As for the Supreme Court judges, they will enjoy 13 executive chambers, complete with meeting spaces and a waiting area for each chamber. Additionally, there will be offices for two secretarial staff members and 50 law clerks. Within the exclusive wing dedicated to the judges, two technologically advanced courtrooms will be available, along with an automated boardroom capable of accommodating 100 individuals. Furthermore, a lounge featuring a cafeteria for 50 people, a rapid-response clinic, a convalescence center with ambulance services, and a childcare facility will all be included in this remarkable space.

The judges will also have access to a gymnasium, a hybrid library, and a reserved parking lot for 15 cars. In addition to these private spaces, the new complex will also include public areas such as an advocate lounge, a robing area, restrooms and lockers, an information technology-integrated customer care hub, a lactation and baby care room, a public waiting area with restrooms, and a media briefing room that can accommodate 100 people. The upcoming Supreme Court complex will feature a dedicated area for selling memorabilia, a spacious auditorium capable of accommodating up to 1,500 people for special occasions like Bar ceremonies, and a transcription room. Additionally, a public parking lot with room for 200 vehicles will be available.

The Judiciary has not disclosed the exact cost of the planned complex, but they have made it known that they intend to build it. Additionally, the Judiciary plans to construct a new facility for the Court of Appeal, as they had previously spent Sh70 million on a building that was never used by the appellate judges. The Judiciary has revealed that the new complex in Upper Hill will cover an area of 20,000 square meters. Currently, the Court of Appeal judges are located in the Supreme Court building, as the Judiciary decided against using the leased office block in Upper Hill due to concerns about the emission of radioactive material.

The Judiciary went all out on the property known as Elgon Place, spending a hefty Sh70 million to secure the lease. Additionally, they opted to partition various sections of the property, such as the judge's chambers, offices, and six separate courtrooms.