Kenya Judiciary Launches Saturday Court Pilot to End Weekend Detentions for Minor Offenders
Nairobi, February 1, 2026 – In a significant step toward making justice more accessible and humane, Kenya’s judiciary has announced a pilot programme to hold court sessions on Saturdays at Kibera Law Courts. The initiative targets petty offenders arrested on Fridays, aiming to prevent unnecessary weekend detentions and reduce pressure on remand facilities.
Chief Justice Martha Koome made the announcement on Saturday, January 31, 2026, during the annual Judiciary Dialogue Day at Kibera Law Courts. The event brought together judicial officers, advocates, court users, and members of the public to openly discuss challenges in the justice system.
Addressing a Long-Standing Injustice
Under Kenya’s traditional court schedule, sessions run from Monday to Friday. This means individuals arrested for minor offences on Fridays often remain in police custody until Monday for arraignment. Many locals view this practice as unfair, arguing that it punishes people who have not been proven guilty and opens doors for potential abuse, including bribe demands by police.
Kibra MP Peter Orero echoed these sentiments strongly during the dialogue: “It is better to leave even one judge or magistrate to work on Saturdays even if it is up to 12pm. So that this act of locking people up to Mondays can end. So that we don’t use the court systems to punish people who have not been proven guilty.”
Responding directly to such concerns, Chief Justice Koome outlined practical solutions to ensure minor offenders do not spend weekends behind bars without cause.
Key Features of the Saturday Court Pilot
The pilot will focus on select matters, primarily cases involving petty offences such as minor traffic violations, disorderly conduct, or other low-level infractions. Courts will operate on Saturdays to handle these quickly.
Chief Justice Koome highlighted innovative options to streamline the process: “We can have virtual hearings on Saturday to deal with bail and bond for those who are apprehended over the weekend. That is something we can explore.”
She also announced plans to enable online issuance of cash bail and bonds on Saturdays, allowing suspects to secure release promptly without prolonged detention.
The programme will begin at Kibera Law Courts as a test case. If successful, it will be expanded to other court stations nationwide.
Why Kibera Law Courts? A Strategic Starting Point
Kibera, one of Nairobi’s most densely populated areas, handles a high volume of minor cases. The pilot here will provide valuable insights into feasibility and impact before a broader rollout.
This move aligns with the judiciary’s ongoing reforms under Chief Justice Koome’s leadership, emphasizing timely, responsive, and people-centered justice.
The Role of Judiciary Dialogue Day
Judiciary Dialogue Day is an annual nationwide event where the judiciary steps out of the courtroom to engage directly with the public. Held on January 31, 2026, at Kibera and other stations, it serves as a platform to listen to concerns about case delays, corruption, and service delivery.
Feedback from these dialogues directly informs reforms—like the Saturday court pilot—helping rebuild public trust in the justice system.
Expected Benefits for Kenyans
If fully implemented, Saturday sessions could:
- Reduce overcrowding in remand facilities
- Speed up case processing for minor offences
- Minimize unnecessary detentions and associated hardships
- Boost public confidence in the judiciary
The initiative reflects a commitment to fairness, especially for vulnerable individuals who might otherwise face disproportionate consequences for minor infractions.
As Kenya’s judiciary continues to innovate, this pilot represents a practical response to real community needs—ensuring justice is not only served, but served swiftly and equitably.
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Kenya Judiciary Launches Saturday Court Pilot to End Weekend Detentions for Minor Offenders