Chief Justice David Maraga has requested the Nakuru High Court to dismiss a petition alleging mismanagement of judicial schedules, asserting that the Judiciary maintains systematic planning and transparency in its operations.
The legal challenge, filed by Nakuru lawyer Elvis Nanda, accuses Maraga and the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) of failing to provide clear calendars for judicial events, leading to case delays. Nanda argues that unscheduled trainings and workshops disrupt court proceedings, citing an instance where a case was adjourned due to a judge attending a service week in Eldoret.
In response, Maraga’s legal team emphasized that judicial activities follow a structured Training Master Calendar approved by the JSC. Isaac Wamaasa, representing the chief justice, stated that all events are communicated to stakeholders, including the Law Society of Kenya, through coordinated planning meetings. He noted that the 2019 calendar was developed with input from relevant parties and remains the framework for professional development.
Nanda’s petition seeks court orders compelling the JSC to release the 2019 calendar for judicial officers and a declaration that the commission’s refusal to disclose event dates undermines judicial independence. However, Maraga’s lawyers argue the case is frivolous, claiming it wastes judicial resources and lacks merit.
The JSC’s director of the Judicial Training Institute, Justice Kathurima M’Inoti, responded to Nanda’s inquiry by highlighting that unforeseen circumstances, such as budget cuts, occasionally disrupt scheduled trainings. The court has scheduled the case for mention on March 5.
