Chief Justice Martha Koome has expressed concern over the inadequate funding for the Judiciary, stating that it is being overlooked in comparison to other crucial sectors such as health, education, and security.
Koome, the President of the Supreme Court of Kenya, emphasised that the Judiciary should receive equal budgetary allocation as the other arms of government.
During the opening of the Kamwangi law courts in Gatundu North, the Chief Justice noted that budgetary constraints have hindered the Judiciary’s ability to employ sufficient judges, magistrates, and staff necessary for the effective administration of justice.
According to the CJ, an increase in funding will allow them to establish the necessary structures to address case backlogs and facilitate the delivery of justice.
“We need to treat investment in justice the same way we treat health, education and security sectors since access to justice is a fundamental right that touches every aspect of our life. We cannot talk of case backlogs when we face budget constraints. We can only do well if we invest in systems and infrastructure that make justice delivery possible,” said Koome.
The Chief Justice also announced that the Judiciary intends to establish law courts in all 290 constituencies. So far, 141 courts have been completed, and she appealed to MPs in the remaining 149 electoral areas to collaborate with her office to realise this initiative.
At the same time, she urged Kenyans to embrace alternative justice systems as a cost-effective means of resolving disputes, which would also help to alleviate congestion in the law courts.
“Desist from rushing to the courts over matters which could be settled through the alternative dispute resolution (ADR). ADR is cheaper and less time consuming than pursuing justice through the courtrooms,” she said.
Meanwhile, officials from the Law Society of Kenya (LSK), led by Council Member Steve Mbugua, stated that the Judiciary must assert its authority as the custodian of justice and resist any compromises from the State.
