By G, KNA
Residents of Migori County now want Parliament and the Treasury to disburse more funds to the Judiciary and the Judicial Service commission (JSC) in order for the two entities to deliver good services to members of the public.
The residents were particularly concerned about the delays in case dispensations being witnessed in the Kenyan courts, a problem that has seen cases drug for years due to inadequate judges and magistrates to handle the ever rising case backlogs.
The call by members of the public followed a confirmation by the Judiciary and the JSC that their efforts to deliver good services to the people had always been curtailed by inadequate resource allocation by the State.
Announcing this today during a public forum on a proposed Judiciary and Judicial Service Commission Budget for financial year (FY) 2026/2027 and the Medium-term (2026/27-2028/29) held at Posta grounds within Migori town, the Chief Registrar of the Judiciary Winfridah Mokaya on her part expressed concern of a financial deficit of Sh.17 billion that the Judiciary would face within the next financial year if more funds are not availed.
In a speech read on her behalf by Clarence Otieno, the Ms Mokaya explained that the Judiciary had asked for Sh46 billion for the 2026/2027 FY to realise its strategic objectives. “However, the indicative ceiling allowed an allocation of only Sh.29 billion which leaves us with a financial gap of Sh17 billion or a 37 percent budget shortfall, she stated.
With this kind of financial resource, it would be difficult for the Judiciary to deal with case clearance and reduction of backlog, expansion of access to justice pathways, human resource management and development, leveraging automation for delivery of Justice and improvement of court infrastructure, Judge Mokaya added.
“We therefore invite members of the public to give views on this proposed budget and assure you that your valued feedback will be considered as we seek to enrich the proposed budget,” she said.
On their part the Judicial service commission prayed for an enhanced budget allocation to assist in recruiting more judiciary officials, carry out promotions and assist in bettering the judiciary arm of the government.
Mr. Steven Imbuga from JSC said it was the wish of the commission to have enough resources to be able to improve on their services to the Judiciary and the people of Kenya.
Speaking at the forum, Migori Law Courts Judge Ann Adwera said the rising number of cases continues to overstretch the limited number of judicial officers within the region.
Adwera noted that Migori County currently has only eight magistrates against a requirement of at least six for Migori law courts alone, and two magistrates for every sub-county.
She added that the High Court is grappling with nearly 1,000 pending cases, handled by only three judges serving the High Court, Land and Environment divisions.
“The workload far outweighs the number of officers available. Judicial officers are straining, and the distances litigants travel some beyond 50 kilometres which make access to justice even more challenging,” she said.
The judge urged elected leaders to support the Judiciary’s call for more personnel and improved infrastructure, emphasizing that judicial services serve all citizens regardless of political affiliation.
The civil society group led by Mr. Otieno Wasonga particularly pleaded for the improvement of services in the environment and lands courts
Mr. Otieno claimed that services at the environment and lands courts in Migori were always below per and delays were encountered in all the cases filed because of the few number of judges and magistrates.