In a significant step toward making justice accessible to the public, the Transport Licensing Appeals Board (TLAB) joined other judicial bodies for Judiciary Dialogue Day on January 29, 2026.
Held at various court stations across Nairobi, the event saw the TLAB engage with over 1,000 clients, ranging from individual public transport operators to major transport network companies.
Justice Beyond the Courtroom: TLAB Reaches 1,000+ Stakeholders in Nairobi
The Judiciary Dialogue Day is a cornerstone of the “Social Transformation through Access to Justice” (STAJ) vision. For the TLAB—a specialized tribunal that hears appeals against decisions made by the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA)—this year’s event was a record-breaking outreach effort to demystify the appeals process for the transport sector.
1. Tackling the “Digital Taxi” Crisis
A major highlight of the TLAB’s engagement in Nairobi was addressing grievances from the digital hailing sector.
Jurisdiction Clarity: Many of the 1,000+ clients were drivers and owners from platforms like Bolt and Uber, seeking clarity on the 2022 Transport Network Companies Regulations.
Account Deactivations: The Board provided guidance on how drivers can appeal “punitive” account deactivations, following landmark 2025 rulings where the TLAB ordered companies to compensate drivers for unfair dismissal from digital platforms.
2. Demystifying the Appeals Process
The TLAB desk, led by its chairperson and board members, focused on “opening the black box” of tribunal proceedings:
Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR): Clients were encouraged to use mediation for licensing disputes to avoid long, costly court battles.
Electronic Filing: The board demonstrated the newly operationalized e-filing module, which allows transport operators from across the country to file appeals without physically traveling to Nairobi.
3. “Justice Belongs to the People”
The theme of the day echoed throughout the capital. By stepping out of formal courtrooms, judicial officers aimed to rebuild public trust.
“We have stepped out of the courtrooms to listen to you, the people we serve, to see how we can serve you better. Problems resolved through dialogue get lasting solutions.” — Judiciary Official, Jan 29, 2026.
