This archive report was first published on 6 August 2020.
Kenyan courts are facing a severe backlog of cases, a situation that may persist for a long time, Chief Justice David Maraga has warned.
The CJ attributed the backlog to a reduced budget for the Judiciary and a shortage of human resources.
Speaking at the Supreme Court building on Thursday, Mr Maraga said that without sufficient financial support, the Judiciary's ICT system will collapse, and the impact will be devastating.
He noted that courts are currently using the ICT system to conduct proceedings as a measure to reduce physical contacts due to the coronavirus pandemic.
“During the Covid-19 period, the Judiciary has tried its best in using technology to deliver justice. So far over 27,000 cases have been resolved and 12,000 rulings delivered. The e-filing system is doing well except for a few challenges which are being addressed and we will not backtrack,” said Justice Maraga.
Mr Maraga also expressed concern over the delayed appointment of 41 judges recommended by the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) by President Uhuru Kenyatta.
He met with MPs Kanini Kega and Muturi Kigano to discuss the issues affecting the Judiciary, including the budget cuts and the delayed appointment of judges.
Mr Kega, the chairman of the Budget and Appropriations Committee, said that the government's revenue bases have reduced due to the coronavirus pandemic, and as a result, Parliament will have to formulate a supplementary budget with adjustments to the original allocations.
“Covid has affected the budget base and there may be cuts but I hope there will be no cut for the Judiciary. There will be a supplementary budget,” said Mr Kega.
The Chief Justice said they will meet again to discuss issues hampering the delivery of justice.
During the event, the Employment and Labour Relations Court in Nyeri under Justice Nzioki wa Makau was crowned best in case clearance, while the magistrates' courts registry was named overall best in the latest Judiciary index.
