The Judicial Service Commission (JSC) has been put on notice over what lawyers describe as serious and persistent disability-related accessibility failures at the Milimani Law Courts, with a formal demand issued calling for immediate remedial action.
In a letter dated December 18, 2025, Lawyer Danstan Omari wrote to the JSC warning that the current state of infrastructure at Milimani Law Courts continues to impede access to justice for persons living with disabilities .
The advocate argues that the barriers are not only discriminatory in effect but also undermine the constitutional right of access to justice for all court users, including judicial officers, advocates, litigants, and members of the public.
Central to the complaint is the absence of ramps and lifts, particularly in the Magistrates’ Criminal Division and courts located on the first floor and higher levels. According to the letter, the lack of functional ramps and elevators has rendered several courts inaccessible to wheelchair users and persons relying on mobility aids, exposing them to exclusion, inconvenience, and indignity .
He further raise concern over the absence of handrails and tactile guiding rails for persons with visual impairments. They warn that this deficiency poses a grave safety risk, noting that there have been incidents of falls and injuries directly linked to the lack of supportive infrastructure within the court premises .
He further says that court buildings should be safe and inclusive spaces, yet the current conditions expose vulnerable users to unnecessary danger.
In light of the concerns, Omari has urged the JSC to prioritise and fast-track infrastructure upgrades at Milimani Law Courts, including the Criminal, Commercial, and Family Divisions, to ensure compliance with accessibility standards and the principles of inclusivity and human dignity.
He has also pointed out that with the commencement of a new judicial term approaching, the Commission should take advantage of the ongoing judicial recess to implement the necessary remedial measures without disrupting court operations .
Omari conclude by calling on the JSC to treat the matter with urgency and seriousness, warning that continued inaction risks violating the rights, safety, and dignity of court users living with disabilities.
