Court gives JSC two days to respond to petition seeking ramps in courts

The Judicial Service Commission (JSC) has been given two days to file its response in a petition seeking to compel the installation of ramps in courts across the country to improve access for persons living with disabilities.
The petition, filed by lobby group Sheria Mtaani, wants the court to order the commission to ensure all court buildings are accessible to marginalised groups, particularly persons with disabilities who it says face barriers when seeking justice.

When the matter came up for hearing, lawyer Danstan Omari, alongside Shadrack Wambui and Stanley Kinyanjui, told the court that all parties had been served as earlier directed.

“We served all parties as per the directions of the court,” Omari submitted.

However, counsel Owiti, appearing for the respondents and an interested party, asked for more time to file responses, arguing that the initial three days granted were insufficient due to internal challenges.

Omari opposed the request for a 14-day extension, insisting the matter was urgent and accusing the JSC of disregarding the court’s directions.

“This is a matter that concerns millions of Kenyans who are marginalised and cannot access courts easily. The court gave clear directions that responses be filed within three days, but the JSC has ignored those directions,” he said.

Omari urged the court to issue interim orders compelling the immediate installation of ramps to guarantee access to justice for persons living with disabilities.

In response, counsel for the JSC argued that the commission had been improperly sued and said it would file a preliminary objection challenging the suit, adding that some of the issues raised fall outside the commission’s mandate.

The court directed the respondents and interested parties to file their responses within two days, and set the matter for mention to confirm compliance and issue further directions.