NAIROBI, Kenya — Kenya has designated four magistrates’ courts to hear serious cases involving possession and trafficking of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances.
The Ministry of Interior confirmed that the courts at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA), Kahawa, Busia, and Mombasa will handle cases with local or international elements.
The move aims to improve efficiency in managing drug-related cases, particularly those linked to airports, ports, borders, and major transit routes.
“Together with the Judiciary, our goal is to streamline the handling of drug-related cases, especially those crossing borders or involving international networks,” the Ministry said.
The new arrangement is expected to reduce delays in prosecuting serious drug offences and enhance coordination among law enforcement, prosecutors, and the courts.
Drug trafficking and narcotics possession have long been a challenge in Kenya, with major transit points often targeted for smuggling illicit substances.
By concentrating cases in designated courts, authorities hope to strengthen specialised judicial oversight and improve the speed and quality of prosecutions.
On January 15, 2026, Chief Justice Martha Koome gazetted four courts as Special Magistrates’ Courts to hear and determine cases involving narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances with municipal and international dimensions.
The Ministry and the Judiciary said they will monitor the implementation of the new system to ensure cases are handled efficiently and fairly.
The designation also complements ongoing efforts to combat organised crime and secure Kenya’s borders from illegal drugs and psychotropic substances.
