The incoming Presiding Judge of the High Court of Kenya in Eldoret, Anthony Ndungu, has pledged to enhance access to justice, reduce case backlog and strengthen efficiency in the delivery of judicial services.
Speaking during the official handover ceremony at the Eldoret Law Courts, Justice Ndungu expressed gratitude for the warm reception and reaffirmed his commitment to upholding integrity, accountability, and transparency in the Judiciary.
Ndungu, who officially takes over from Reuben Nyakundi, noted that his first day in office had already demonstrated strong collaboration among justice sector stakeholders in the county.
“I have noted with great encouragement the strong synergy among all sectors in the administration of justice. This provides a solid foundation upon which we can build an efficient and responsive justice system,” he said.
He outlined key priorities that will guide his tenure, including improving access to justice, especially for vulnerable groups, embracing technology such as e-filing and virtual hearings and strengthening stakeholder engagement.
The judge also emphasised the need to address case backlog, noting that delayed justice undermines public confidence in the legal system.
“Through improved case management and effective use of technology, we shall strive to ensure timely resolution of disputes. Justice delayed is justice denied,” he stated.
Ndungu further committed to promoting a positive working environment within the courts, focusing on staff welfare, professional development, and institutional cohesion.
Outgoing Presiding Judge Justice Nyakundi, who has been transferred to Vihiga after serving in Eldoret for over four years, highlighted key achievements realised during his tenure, particularly in expanding access to justice across Uasin Gishu County.
Nyakundi said his administration prioritised decentralisation of judicial services to ensure residents could access courts without traveling long distances or incurring heavy costs.
“We worked to open up the county so that no citizen has to leave their home, sell property, or endure hardship just to seek justice,” he said.
He cited the establishment and strengthening of courts in areas such as Moiben, Turbo and Iten in Elgeyo Marakwet County, as well as efforts to promote alternative justice systems at the grassroots level.
The outgoing judge, however, challenged stakeholders to address delays in the justice system, particularly in succession and criminal cases, which he noted continue to affect many families.
“How long is enough to try a case? This is a question we must confront as a justice sector. Prolonged cases deny families their livelihoods and undermine confidence in the system,” he noted.
Nyakundi emphasised that delays in succession matters have far-reaching consequences, leaving families without access to inheritance, education and basic needs.
“The dead cannot cry out for justice; it is the duty of the living to do so for them,” he said.
He called for continued collaboration between the Bench, the Bar and other stakeholders to ensure justice is delivered efficiently and fairly.
Nyakundi also urged judicial officers to balance the use of technology with physical court interactions to maintain public trust and engagement.
Stakeholders in the justice sector, including the National Police Service (NPS) Kenya Prisons Service (KPS), the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP), probation services and the County Government, among others, praised Justice Nyakundi for his instrumental role in decongesting prisons, promoting access to justice through Alternative Justice Systems (AJS), and setting important precedents in high-profile cases.
The ceremony was attended by members of the Judiciary, legal practitioners, NPS, KPS, county officials and other stakeholders in the justice sector.
By Fredrick Maritimu and Ekuwam Sylvester
