The Council paid a visit to Thika Chapter on 16 th November 2018. The Council paid a courtesy call to the Lands Registrar Thika, the Presiding Judge of Environment and Land Court Thika and had an interactive session with the membership at Eton Hotel.

Mr. Ishmael Nguringa, Chair of Thika Chapter and its executive hosted the Branch Council very warmly. The Branch addressed registry concerns raised by members. The Registrar undertook to enhance service delivery. Members also noted that there was improved service delivery within the past two (2) years.

A Lands Liaison Committee will be formed to address such matters. We urge our members to give feedback on any issues arising from land transactions in Thika. The meetings will be held quarterly and members are invited to express interest in joining the Lands Liaison Committee.

It was noted that there is inadequate office space to accommodate the increasing number of files and having sufficient storage space. Also, the Registry does not have enough stationery, for instance, there are no binders which affects the filing and lifespan of green cards.

The meeting with the Presiding Judge of ELC, Hon. Lucy Gacheru was insightful as we discussed on the challenges facing this Court and how to resolve them. The Branch proposed having Court Users Committee for Thika Chapter to discuss such practice matters. Members also discussed dress and address in Court and the Chair of Thika Chapter proposed that the Law Society of Kenya should come up with a policy of inducting young lawyers.

The membership of Thika Chapter addressed the following issues: Undercutting, improving practice and welfare, member participation and setting up the relevant Bar Bench Committees to improve practice matters.

The meeting was very successful and we hope to visit other Chapters as well.