Article 169 1(a) of the constitution of Kenya 2010 creates the Magistrate court. This is where majority of the judiciary’s cases are heard. Magistrate courts are generally located in every county in Kenya. The new Magistrate Courts’ Act 2015 significantly increases the pecuniary jurisdiction of magistrate courts.
Role and functions of a Magistrates’ Court:
- Criminal matters
- Traffic violations
- Civil matters
- Family law
- Juvenile cases
- Preliminary hearings