The facility one of its kind in Africa aims at decongesting the criminal justice system by handling petty offences and infractions of city bylaws.

While inspecting the modern court facility located on the grounds of the Old Fire Station, Kisumu City Manager Michael Abala Wanga said by handling infractions, the Kisumu City Court helps maintain order and promotes a sense of justice within the community.

Mr. Abala made it clear that the purpose is not to stifle society with increased community policing but the Kisumu City Court is specifically a subordinate court established to handle minor cases and petty offenses within the city.

The court will therefore play a crucial role in decongesting the High Court by handling less serious cases and help reduce the workload of the High Court, allowing it to focus on more complex and serious cases.

To this end the court will ensure efficient justice delivery by providing a faster and more efficient way to resolve minor disputes and offenses, such as traffic infractions and city bylaw breaches.

As a local court, it enables residents to access justice closer to their homes, reducing the need to travel to higher courts.

While inspecting the completed facility Mr. Abala told the press that the court will also be handling cases related to traffic rules and regulations.

“It will largely be dealing with cases related to violations of city bylaws, such as noise pollution, sanitation, or zoning regulations.

“Other cases within its jurisdiction will be handling cases related to minor crimes, such as disorderly conduct or public disturbance. By handling these types of cases, the Kisumu City Court helps maintain order and promotes a sense of justice within the community,” said the City Manager.

The project was fully undertaken by Kisumu City County Government under the stewardship of Professor Peter Anyang’ Nyong’o and aligns with his manifesto which includes transforming Kisumu into a smart city.

Earlier on, the City Manager held talks in his office with representatives from Jua-tech Logistics who came up with a proposal to enhance the city’s smart initiative goals by providing eco-friendly lightning masts that will incorporate street lights, CCTV cameras, wi-fi and phone charging ports as a single component.

The idea of smart street lights is functional in the middle-east and in most American cities and Kisumu could probably be the first city in the East and Central African region to embrace the concept.

The city continues to implement digital infrastructure such as fiber-optic cables, Wi-Fi, and data centers to support smart city initiatives.

Enhancement of E-governance platforms also continues leveraging technology to improve governance, transparency, and citizen engagement, including online portals for services and feedback.

If the smart traffic light deal goes through the city will be able to collect data that could help in reinforcing security while implementing intelligent transportation systems, such as traffic management systems, to reduce congestion and improve mobility.

Left to right: Frederick Omollo (Head of Innovation & Partnership Jua-tech Logistics), Michael Abala Wanga (City Manager), Rose-Ann Osamba (Director Jua-tech Logistics) and Evans Omuga (Special Projects Jua-tech Logistics).

As he welcomed the proposal Mr. Abala Wanga told the Jua-tech Logistics team that the mandate of his office is to improve the quality of life for Kisumu residents by enhancing safety, economic development, and promoting sustainable solutions.

“To achieve our goal for the Kisumu smart city initiative the County Government closely collaborates with the private sector, and civil society organizations. You must therefore feel highly welcome to the city of Kisumu,” said the City Manager.