By Ziyah News Network
PEOPLE who violate municipal by-laws could soon be arrested, prosecuted and taken to dedicated municipal courts under a new Bill approved by Cabinet.
Cabinet on Monday approved the Municipal Police and Courts Bill, 2026, which seeks to strengthen the enforcement of local authority by-laws and improve public safety across the country.
The Bill was presented by the Chairman of the Cabinet Committee on Legislation and Minister of Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs, Honourable Ziyambi Ziyambi, during the 25th Post-Cabinet briefing.
If enacted, the law will empower municipalities to establish professional municipal police services responsible for enforcing council by-laws, managing traffic, promoting community safety and preventing local crime.
“The Bill strengthens the legal framework for municipalities to establish and maintain dedicated and professional police services focused on community safety, by-law enforcement, traffic management, and local crime prevention,”Cabinet said in the post-Cabinet briefing.
The proposed legislation also gives municipal police the authority to apprehend people who breach council by-laws, investigate offences and facilitate their prosecution.
A key feature of the Bill is the establishment of municipal courts to deal specifically with cases involving municipal by-laws, traffic violations and other minor offences. The Bill also provides for the appointment of municipal magistrates and outlines the jurisdiction of the new courts.
Cabinet said the new courts will have jurisdiction over municipal by-laws, minor offences and traffic violations, strengthening access to justice at the local level.
According to Cabinet, the legislation builds on the powers already granted to local authorities under the Urban Councils Act and the Rural District Councils Act to make and enforce regulations within their jurisdictions.
Government said the proposed law will enhance local governance in line with the Constitution’s devolution agenda while improving service delivery, public safety and environmental management.