Lawyer petitions JSC over disability access gaps at Milimani Law courts

In a letter addressed to the Commission, advocate Danstan Omari has highlighted what he describes as serious and ongoing barriers within the court complex that disadvantage court users with mobility and visual impairments.

According to the petition, the shortcomings undermine constitutional guarantees on equality, dignity, and access to justice.

Among the key issues raised is the absence of functional ramps and lifts, particularly at the Magistrates’ Criminal Division and courtrooms located on the first floor and upper levels.

Omari notes that the lack of such facilities effectively locks out wheelchair users and others who rely on mobility aids, affecting not only members of the public but also judicial officers and court staff living with disabilities.

The letter further points to the absence of handrails and tactile guiding rails for persons with visual impairments, warning that the situation poses a significant safety risk.

He further claims that several falls and injuries have already occurred due to these deficiencies, exposing court users to avoidable harm within what should be a safe and inclusive public institution.

Calling for swift intervention, the advocate has urged the JSC to prioritise infrastructural upgrades across key divisions of the Milimani Law Courts, including the Criminal, Commercial, and Family Divisions, to bring the facilities into line with accessibility standards and inclusive design principles.

He has also appealed to the Commission to take advantage of the ongoing judicial recess to implement the necessary remedial measures before the commencement of the new court term, in order to minimise disruption to court operations.

 Omari expressed confidence that the Commission would treat the matter with urgency, emphasising the need to safeguard the rights, safety, and dignity of all court users.