Attorney General Kihara Kariuki on Thursday stated that the government wants Kenya to become the permanent seat of the East Africa Court of Justice.
The court currently holds its sittings in Arusha, Tanzania.
According to the AG, the move is part of the integration process for the mutual benefit of all citizens and the development of the region.
Mr Kariuki divulged these when he received the President of the East Africa Court of Justice Emmanuel Ugirashebuja.
[caption caption="File image of AG Kihara Kariuki"]
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Justice Ugirashebuja supported Justice Kariuki's sentiments noting that it is time that the court had a permanent home since all its operations are now fully on course.
According to the Rwandan Judge, who is the fourth President of the Court, Nairobi is best suited to host the Court as the regional hub would be ideal for it.
Justice Ugirashebuja was appointed Judge of Appeal by the Summit of the EAC Heads of State in November 2013 and the President the year after.
Currently, only the President and the Registrar are based at the court with all the other judges serving only on a needs basis.
The court has eleven Judges, five of theAppellate Division and six judges of the first instance.
Kenya has two judges who are currently serving the court, Justice Aaron Ringera (Appellate Division) and Justice Isaac Lenaola (First Instance).
Mr Charles Nyachae, whose name was recently forwarded by President Kenyatta for the appointment, will take over from Justice Lenaola on July 1.
Justice Ugirashebuja is in the country to seek Kenya’s support in amending two sections of the Treaty for the Establishment of the East African Community.
The treaties will enable the establishment of the permanent seat of the EACJ and secure the security of tenure for judges.
[caption caption="File image of CJ David Maraga and East Africa Court of Justice Emmanuel Ugirashebuja"]
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