Kenya is officially tightening the noose on international drug syndicates with the Chief Justice Martha Koome designating four specific courts; JKIA, Kahawa, Mombasa, and Busia, as “Special Magistrates’ Courts” dedicated to narcotics and psychotropic substance cases.

In a Gazette Notice dated January 15, 2026, the Chief Justice said the designation was made pursuant to the Constitution of Kenya and Section 5(2)(c) of the Judicial Service Act

The CJ isn’t just picking names out of a hat, these locations represent the “four corners” of Kenya’s transit vulnerability:

JKIA & Mombasa: The primary air and sea gateways for international cargo, Busia is a critical land-border artery for cross-border networks while Kahawa is strategically positioned near the capital to handle high-profile, complex litigation.