The Judiciary has demonstrated remarkable strides in justice delivery, achieving significant milestones despite chronic underfunding, Chief Justice Martha Koome revealed during the presentation of the State of the Judiciary and the Administration of Justice Report (SOJAR) 2023/24 at the Milimani Law Courts.
Highlighting the Judiciary’s performance, CJ Koome noted a near-perfect Case Clearance Rate of 99%, with 516,121 cases filed and 509,664 resolved in the last financial year. Pending cases decreased by 2.16%, while backlog reduction stood out with notable achievements across specialized courts: Employment and Labour Relations Court (37%), Environment and Land Court (20%), Tribunals (29%), and Kadhis’ Courts (82%).
“Each resolved case represents justice delivered to Kenyans and affirms their trust in our judicial system. These results are a testament to the hard work of our judges and judicial officers who, despite resource constraints, continue to uphold their commitment to timely justice,” said CJ Koome.
Expanding Access and Embracing Innovation
The Chief Justice reported that the High Court’s presence has been extended to 46 of the 47 counties, while 27 Small Claims Courts and 57 mobile courts have significantly reduced the average distance to court services to 80 kilometers. Additionally, the establishment of eight Alternative Justice Systems (AJS) Ukumbi suites and AJS County Action Plans in four counties has integrated traditional conflict resolution into the formal justice system.
“These initiatives underscore our dedication to inclusive and responsive justice, ensuring Kenyans from all corners of the country can access fair resolutions efficiently,” CJ Koome added.
A technological revolution has also bolstered judicial operations, with e-filing fully implemented across all court stations, ensuring secure and seamless filing processes. Connectivity improvements through the National Optical Fibre Backbone Infrastructure (NOFBI) and upgraded Local Area Networks in 42 stations have enhanced the reliability of digital platforms.
Addressing Budgetary Challenges
Despite these successes, CJ Koome lamented the Judiciary’s persistent underfunding, with the KSh22.42 billion allocation for the last financial year falling significantly short of the required KSh43.17 billion.
“This funding gap limits our ability to expand infrastructure, enhance security, and support the well-being of judicial personnel. We call on the Legislature and the Executive to recognize the pressing needs of the Judiciary and allocate the necessary resources,” she urged.
Looking ahead, the Chief Justice emphasized the need for sustained investment to address the growing caseload and improve service delivery, ensuring justice remains accessible, affordable, and inclusive for all Kenyans.
The SOJAR 2023/24 reflects the Judiciary’s resilience and its unwavering pursuit of a more efficient and equitable justice system, signaling hope for continued progress despite prevailing challenges.
