The Judicial Service Commission (JSC) has suspended the recruitment of 11 Court of Appeal judges over budget cuts.
In a statement Wednesday, the commission said the move was informed by a directive by the National Treasury that all public institutions cut down on expenditure by at least 15 per cent in the appropriated budget.
“This directive has far-reaching consequences on the operations of the Judiciary and the JSC. In this regard, we are compelled to make major adjustments to planned programs and activities. Regrettably, this has necessitated the decision by the JSC to suspend all pending recruitments including the 11 (eleven) Judges of the Court of Appeal which was scheduled to commence today”, JSC Chairperson Chief Justice Martha Koome said.
She further added that the tragic incident that led to the death of Makadara Principal Magistrate Monica Kivuti, has necessitated restructuring and reallocation of the budget to enhance security arrangements in the Judiciary.
“This is intended to provide a safe environment for all users of our courts including members of the public. The Judiciary will therefore require additional resources in the FY 2024/2025 to address these immediate concerns, ” she said.
Currently, the Court of Appeal has a total of 29 Judges serving in only six stations across the country which translates to nine benches at any given time. The court had a total of 13,331 pending cases as at May 2024.
“To enhance access to justice and reduce the huge case backlog the JSC successfully pursued amendments to the Judicature Act, Cap 8 Laws of Kenya thereby increasing the maximum number of Judges in the Court of Appeal from 30 to 70. On 9th February 2024 the Commission advertised 11 vacancies in the Office of Judge of the Court of Appeal aimed at substantially reducing the pending cases before the Court” she explained.
Given the development, Chief Justice Koome disclosed the JSC will engage Parliament and the Executive with a view to enhance and secure the Judiciary and the JSC budget.
“The administration of justice is the cornerstone of democracy and its effective functioning is critical in maintaining public order and respect for the rule of law. In exercising our mandate of advising the National Government on improving efficiency in the administration of justice, the JSC will engage Parliament and the Executive with a view to enhance and secure the Judiciary and the JSC budget”.
Last week, President Ruto directed further austerity measures across the three arms of government following the withdrawal of the Finance Bill 2024.
“I direct that operational expenditure in the Presidency be reduced to remove allocations for the confidential vote, reduce travel budget, hospitality and buying of vehicles, renovations and other expenditures,” the President said.
In equal measure, President Ruto directed that Parliament, the Judiciary and county governments work with the National Treasury and undertake budget cuts to ensure that the government achieves what he has always advocated: Living within our means.
