Nairobi: The Judge of the Employment and Labour Relations Court (ELRC), Lady Justice Jemimah Keli, has advised Makueni residents with labour-related disputes to file their cases at the Chief Magistrates Court in Makueni. The move is aimed at reducing the unnecessary expenses incurred by those who travel to Nairobi for services that are available locally.
According to Kenya News Agency, Lady Justice Keli noted that many people might be unaware of the court services available in Makueni, leading them to travel to Nairobi for their legal issues. She clarified that the Chief Magistrate’s court can handle employment and labour relations disputes for plaintiffs earning Sh80,000 and below, making it a viable option for many residents.
This advice comes as a relief for numerous individuals who have been dismissed from jobs and believe their dismissal was unprocedural, or those who feel underpaid and seek legal resolution. The Judge emphasized the need for community sensitisation to make residents aware of their local court services, potentially saving them significant travel costs and time.
During a supervisory visit to Makueni Law Court, Keli stressed that workers earning a salary of Sh80,000 or below could file their cases locally, which would help minimize the costs associated with traveling to Nairobi. The visit, which included the ELRC, Judicial Review, and Division, focused on improving service delivery, addressing operational challenges, and enhancing access to justice in employment and labour relations matters.
The visiting team commended the magistrate’s court for its efficient case management and well-kept registry. They also engaged with the Court Users Committee (CUC) members, with Makueni Law Court Chief Magistrate Peter Gesora and other court officials present.
