This archive report was first published on 5 July 2021.
On July 5, 2021, the European Union marked a significant milestone in its efforts to enhance access to justice in Lamu East by donating a Kshs 10 million boat to support mobile court operations.
The MV Adil boat, acquired through the United Nation's Office on Drugs and Crime Programme for Legal Empowerment and Aid Delivery, is expected to improve the frequency and efficiency of mobile court sessions in the region.
Speaking during the launch and handover of the MV Adil at the KPA Lamu jetty, Director of Public Prosecutions Noordin Hajj emphasized the importance of the new boat in addressing the delivery of justice to residents of Pate, Faza, Kiunga, and Kiwayu.
“Due to the logistical challenges posed by Lamu’s geographical nature, the boat is a welcome add-on aimed at improving the justice delivery especially in Lamu East,” Hajj stated.
Malindi High Court Judge Reuben Nyakundi also commended the initiative, stating that the boat is a game changer in terms of aiding tackle Lamu East case backlog.
“Geographically, Lamu and Tana River counties pose unique challenges that need to be addressed by innovative initiatives such as frequent mobile courts that are better aided when judicial officers have access to their own boat facilities,” Justice Nyakundi stated.
Acting European Union Ambassador Katrin Hagemann noted that the MV Adil boat initiative will increase Lamu court’s operational capacity.
“The boat is part of the European Union’s wider initiative in Sub Saharan Africa to improve access to justice operational capacity regardless of where one lives,” the diplomat stated.
