The Judiciary and the Judicial Service Commission held public consultations on their proposed budgets for the Financial Year 2027/28, with a focus on expanding access to justice, reducing case backlogs and improving the quality and timeliness of judicial services.
Speaking on behalf of the Chief Registrar of the Judiciary Winfridah Mokaya, during a public hearing in Marsabit, Deputy Chief Registrar of the Judiciary Paul Ndemo said public participation was central to ensuring that budget priorities respond to the justice needs and experiences of Kenyans. He emphasised that the consultations go beyond fulfilling a constitutional requirement, providing an opportunity for citizens to influence priorities and strengthen accountability in the administration of justice.
The Judiciary resolved 576,162 cases against 561,580 new cases filed during FY 2025/26, achieving a 103 per cent case clearance rate. Technology-driven interventions, including the Urithi Portal and Mahakama Popote initiative, have also supported faster processing of succession matters and enabled 22,516 matters to be resolved through virtual deployment of judicial capacity.
For FY 2027/28, the Judiciary requires Sh50.7 billion against an indicative ceiling of Sh30.4 billion, creating a financing gap of approximately Sh20.4 billion. The proposed priorities include reducing case backlog, expanding Alternative Justice Systems and mediation, strengthening election-related dispute resolution, enhancing technology, improving court infrastructure and building human-resource capacity.
The Judiciary called on members of the public and justice stakeholders to provide constructive feedback to help refine its plans and ensure resources deliver wider access, timely justice and improved services.
Members of the public and stakeholders asked the Judiciary to channel more funds in expeditious conclusion of cases, completion of on-going court infrastructure and opening of new courts in far flung areas.
Others who addressed the forum are Marsabit High Court Presiding Judge Francis Rayola, and Head of Station Christine Wekesa.
Judiciary Finance budget proposals were presented by Assistant Director of Finance John Waweru, while the JSC budget proposals were presented by Assistant Director of Finance Steven Imbusi.
By Anthony Melly
