Shaping future of justice administration

By  Winfridah B Mokaya

Chief Registrar of the Judiciary

Judicial Service Commission

Access to justice is not simply about the existence of courts. It is about ensuring that justice is accessible, timely, efficient, accountable and responsive to the needs of the people. Achieving this requires sustained investment in judicial services, infrastructure, technology, human resources and institutional systems. Equally important is ensuring that the voices and experiences of those who interact with the justice system inform the decisions that shape its future.

It is in this spirit that the Judiciary and the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) are inviting members of the public and other stakeholders to participate in the development of the Financial Year 2027/28 Budget and Medium-Term Expenditure Framework proposals.

The public participation forums commenced in Lamu County on Tuesday, September 22, 2026, followed by physical forums in Marsabit, Kajiado, Kericho and Dagoretti, providing citizens and justice sector stakeholders an opportunity to share their experiences, concerns and priorities regarding the delivery of justice.

• 

Public participation in public finance is not merely an administrative exercise; it is a constitutional principle. Article 201 of the Constitution of Kenya requires openness, accountability and public participation in financial matters. Consistent with this obligation, the Judiciary and the commission have mainstreamed public participation across their functional areas, recognising that the administration of justice is strengthened when those who use the system contribute to its improvement.

The FY 2027/28 engagement therefore provides an important platform for identifying emerging justice needs, highlighting service delivery challenges and determining areas requiring greater investment. The views received will inform resource requirements and budgetary priorities, particularly where investment can improve access to justice and strengthen judicial services.

This process takes place against a record of prudent financial management. Over the past three financial years, the commission has maintained an average budget absorption rate of 98.98 per cent, reflecting its commitment to translating allocated resources into programmes that advance its constitutional mandate. Its financial management practices have also received recognition, including the FiRe Award for Best Constitutional Commission and Independent Office in Financial Reporting for FY 2023/24, commendation for clean audit reports from the National Treasury, and recognition as First Runner-Up in Wage Bill Management for FY 2024/25 among Constitutional Commissions and Independent Offices.

Beyond financial stewardship, resources have translated into tangible improvements in access to justice. In FY 2025/26, the Judiciary resolved 576,162 cases against 561,580 new filings, achieving a case clearance rate of 103 per cent. Technology and innovation have further expanded access. Through Mahakama Popote, judicial capacity has been deployed virtually across court stations experiencing higher caseloads. During the year, 22,516 matters were resolved through the initiative. Mobile courts and court circuits similarly brought justice closer to underserved communities, resolving more than 10,000 cases.

The commission has complemented these interventions by strengthening the Judiciary’s human-resource capacity. During the period under review, it appointed 73 judges, 234 judicial officers and 1,997 Judiciary staff. This supported the operationalisation of new court stations, including two new Courts of Appeal in Kakamega and Meru. Magistrates’ courts increased from 143 to 167, while Small Claims Courts expanded from 40 to 55.

Accountability remains equally central to an effective justice system. The commission heard and concluded 320 petitions and complaints against judges, representing a clearance rate of 60.2 per cent, while 44 disciplinary matters involving Judiciary staff were concluded. It also approved 27 policies and guidelines to strengthen institutional performance, supported 48 capacity-building programmes for judges and judicial officers through the Kenya Judiciary Academy.

Despite this progress, significant resource constraints remain. For FY 2027/28, the Judiciary requires Sh50.7 billion against an indicative allocation of Sh30.4 billion. The commission requires Sh1.833 billion against an indicative allocation of Sh1.038 billion. Bridging the gaps will require continued engagement with the National Assembly, the Executive, development partners and other stakeholders to secure adequate financing for critical programmes.

Your voice matters. Your participation matters. Together, through constructive dialogue we can continue to strengthen the Judiciary and the JSC.

Follow ourWhatsApp channel for breaking news updates and more stories like this.

Hon Winfridah B Mokaya, CBS, Chief Registrar of the Judiciary & Secretary, JSC.