Uasin Gishu Governor, Dr Jonathan Bii, on Monday officially welcomed the incoming Eldoret High Court Presiding Judge, Hon. Antony Ndung’u, where discussions on enhanced mechanisms of improving access to justice, as well as getting legal services closer to mwananchi, dominated the meeting.

While hosting the incoming and outgoing judges, Dr Bii stated that his administration remains committed to supporting various initiatives aimed at ensuring that the Alternative Justice System works effectively, so that cases that should not take a long time are resolved at the lower level.

“As a county under my administration, we have achieved major strides in the efforts of bringing services closer to our people. Alternative Justice Systems have been devolved to Turbo, Moiben and Kapseret Sub-Counties,” the Governor said.

“We also want to thank Justice Nyakundi for the role he has played in our county and his commitment to advancing the Social Transformation Through Access to Justice. We hope the collaboration he established will continue going forward as we continue to enhance service delivery for our people,” Bii said.

Hon Justice Antony hailed the level of high interaction and the good working relationship between the devolved unit and the judiciary to serve the people, saying the move should be replicated across the country.

“I will also prioritize access to justice for the most vulnerable and ensure that the ELRC continues to stand as a beacon of excellence. I will also continue to enhance the established collaboration with the aim of ensuring the public benefit. ’He assured the county leadership.

On his part, outgoing Presiding Judge Reuben Nyakundi said two magistrates had been posted in Moiben and two in Turbo as he emphasised the need for sacrifice so that courts that are more mobile are opened in many parts in the region to ensure services are brought closer to the people.

Three judges in Eldoret, including Presiding Judge Reuben Nyakundi, Justice Robert Wananda, and Lady Justice Emily Ominde, were recently transferred in a recent judiciary reshuffle announced by Chief Justice Martha Koome. Justice Nyakundi was moved to Vihiga.