Republic v County Government of Makueni [2020] KEHC 8693 (KLR)

REPUBLIC OF KENYA

IN THE HIGH COURT OF KENYA

AT MACHAKOS

MISC APPL NO.118 OF 2016

REPUBLIC...............................................................APPLICANT

-VERSUS-

COUNTY GOVERNMENT OF MAKUENI....RESPONDENT

RULING ON DIRECTIONS

1. This Ruling is in relation to the pleadings dated16. 6.2016 and filed in court on 17. 6.2016. The matter was pending however in light of my findings below, it is prudent not to handle the same. A perusal of the pleadings indicates that the suit relates to a cause of action in enforcement notices under the Physical Planning Act Cap 286 hence need for the determination on the issue of jurisdiction. The issues to be determined are whether this court has jurisdiction and what orders may the court make.

2. In law no court or person assumes jurisdiction.  Jurisdiction is a creation of statute. In Kenya, all courts derive their power from the Constitution under Article 159.  The Constitution provides for the establishment of the Superior Courts under Article 162 and subordinate courts under Article 169. Judicial power is exercised by the courts which consist of;

a. The Supreme Court

b. The Court of Appeal.

c. The High Court.

d. Subordinate courts including Magistrates Courts, Kadhis Courts, Court martial.  (See Article 169 of the Constitution).

3. In selecting a court with power over the type of litigation, regard must be made to the enabling law which empowers such court to hear such a case. I say so because the dispute relates to land. Parliament enacted the Environment and Land Court Act and set out in details the jurisdiction of the Court.  Section 13 of the Act outlines the jurisdiction of the court as follows:

13. Jurisdiction of the Court

1)The court shall have original and appellate jurisdiction to hear and determine all disputes in accordance with Article 162(2)(b) of the Constitution and with the provisions of this Act or any other law applicable in Kenya relating to environment and land.

2) In exercise of its jurisdiction under Article 162(2)(b) of the Constitution, the Court shall have power to hear and determine disputes-

a) relating to environmental planning and protection, climate issues, land use planning, title, tenure, boundaries, rates, rents, valuations, mining, minerals and other natural resources.

b) relating to compulsory acquisition of land;

c)  relating to land administration and management;

d) relating to public, private and community land and contracts, choses in action or other instruments granting any enforceable interest in land; and

e) any other dispute relating to environment and land.

3) Nothing in this Act shall preclude the Court from hearing and determining applications for redress of a denial, violation or infringement of, or threat to, rights or fundamental freedom relating to a clean and health environment under Articles 42, 69 and 70 of the Constitution.

4) In addition to the matters referred to in subsections (1) and (2), the Court shall exercise appellate jurisdiction over the decisions of subordinate courts or local tribunals in respect of matters falling within the jurisdiction of the Court

5)  Deleted by Act No. 12 of 2012

6)  Deleted by Act No. 12 of 2012

7)  In exercise of its jurisdiction under this Act, the Court shall have power to make any order and grant any relief as the Court deems fit and just, including-

a)   interim or permanent preservation orders including injunctions;

b)   prerogative orders;

c)   award of damages;

d)   compensation;

e)  specific performance;

f)  restitution; or

g) declaration; or

h)  costs

4. The court clothed with jurisdiction to address the concerns of the applicant is the environment and land court.

5. The overriding objective of the Civil Procedure Act and Rules made thereunder is to facilitate the just, expeditious, proportionate and or affordable resolution of civil disputes governed by the Act.  In the furtherance of this overriding objective, the courts are mandated to ensure the just determination of proceedings, efficient disposal of business of the court, the efficient use of available judicial and administrative resources and the timely disposal of proceedings at a cost affordable by the respective parties.  I find it would be efficient to allow the case now pending before this court to be determined by the environment and land Court.  A transfer of the suit would be in the best interest of both parties as there is no prejudice that shall be occasioned because the suit property is within Makueni County.  The property is situate within Salama Township Mukaa District in Makueni County. It is also noted that the parties herein had earlier intimated to the court that they wished to have the matter heard in Makueni.

6. To this end this matter is hereby ordered transferred to the Environment and Land Court at Makueni for determination.

It is so ordered.

Dated and delivered at Machakos this 5th day of February, 2020.

D. K. Kemei

Judge