Hard truths. Bold Insights. Real talk.
Budget figures show a continued gap between what the judiciary receives and what it needs. In the 2024/2025 financial year, the institution was allocated about Sh21.85 billion against a requirement of roughly Sh44.9 billion. For the 2025/2026 financial year, funding rose to about Sh24.94 billion, while the need stood at around Sh40.1 billion, leaving a shortfall of over 35 percent.
In a statement issued on Friday, JSC Chairperson Martha Koome acknowledged the findings of the report, which profiled corruption across the public sector, including within the Judiciary, and outlined measures already in place to address integrity concerns.
Chief Justice Martha Koome, said the nominations followed the conclusion of a rigorous and transparent recruitment process that attracted hundreds of applicants.
Speaking during the installation of Monica Mbaru as the new Principal Judge of the ELRC at Milimani on Friday, Koome highlighted the progress made through virtual hearings while stressing the need to institutionalise digital innovations.
Koome said lawyers hold a key position in protecting the promises contained in the Constitution of Kenya 2010, noting that their work helps maintain democratic stability in the country.
Speaking at State House in Nairobi on Monday, Koome highlighted that 62,932 traffic cases were filed in the 2024/2025 financial year, with offenses ranging from reckless driving, causing death, contravening insurance laws, to driving under the influence of alcohol.
The Small Claims Court was rolled out in April 2021 to offer an affordable and fast option for resolving civil disputes involving amounts not exceeding Sh 1 million. The courts were introduced to reduce delays and limit lengthy litigation that often locks out ordinary citizens.
A duty Judge will be on standby throughout the recess to handle matters that are urgent and cannot wait until the court resumes normal sittings.
The move, announced during the Judiciary’s Dialogue Day in Kibera, is intended to protect suspects from unnecessary delays and potential mistreatment. Across the country, similar dialogue sessions allowed citizens to share their challenges in accessing justice.
The vacancy was formally declared by Chief Justice Martha Karambu Koome through Gazette Notice No. 380, issued under the Judicial Service Act. The notice confirms that the opening is for one post, referenced as V/No. 1/2026, and comes with a gross monthly salary ranging from Sh956,192 to Sh1.26 million, excluding benefits.
Speaking during the swearing-in of Ali Abdullahi Surraw as the Commission’s new Secretary and Chief Executive Officer, she said the work of the SRC directly shapes how public institutions serve Kenyans and stressed the need for an efficient, motivated, and people-centred public service.
Speaking during the conferment ceremony at State House, Nairobi on Thursday, she said the rank recognizes not only personal achievement but also the nation’s confidence in the integrity, professional excellence, and distinguished service of the senior advocates honored.