The system of courts in Kenya is hierarchical and is structured to ensure justice at various levels. At the top is the Supreme Court, followed by the Court of Appeal, which hears appeals from lower courts. The High Court is next, with jurisdiction over civil and criminal matters and acting as a court of first instance for serious offenses. Below the High Court are the subordinate courts, including the Magistrate Courts, which handle less serious criminal and civil cases. Other specialized courts include the Environment and Land Court, the Employment and Labour Relations Court, and the Children’s Court, among others. The judiciary operates independently from the executive and legislature, with the Chief Justice serving as the head of the judiciary.