This archive report was first published on 13 December 2019.
Kenya: Blackouts, No Stationery as Judiciary Budget Cuts Bite in Nyanza ¶
Published on December 13, 2019
The Judiciary in Nyanza is facing a crisis due to budget cuts, with courts operations being hampered by power outages and lack of basic stationery.
At the Kisumu Law Courts, judicial staff have revealed that the facility has run out of sugar and milk, forcing them to look for alternative sources or operate without tea.
Concerns are being raised by judicial staff, lawyers, and convicts about the delays caused by the crisis, which has resulted in hearings and appeals being delayed.
According to Mr. Bruce Odeny, Western Region's Chairman of the Law Society of Kenya, the situation is dire and alarming.
"Lawyers and parties involved in cases rely on typed proceedings to lodge appeals. The situation is worrying because there are timelines within which an appeal should be filed. With lack of proceedings, there is a delay," said Mr. Odeny.
Power outages have also been a major issue, with the Kisumu Law Courts experiencing blackouts for the better part of last week. The court had a backup generator, but officials said they remained in darkness due to lack of fuel.
Mr. Odeny noted that the crisis is too serious, forcing some lawyers to intervene in situations where the administration cannot afford to make payments.
"The crisis is too serious. It forces some of us to intervene in situations where the administration cannot afford to make payments. During the blackout last week, most court rooms were very dark. Our members have been forced to chip in to type copies of proceedings," said Mr. Odeny.
The concerns come barely two weeks after Chief Justice David Maraga appealed for more funds to revamp the Judiciary and enable it to undertake its duties successfully.
Speaking during the launch of the Tamu Law courts in Muhoroni, the CJ noted the urgent need to strengthen the Judiciary to improve Kenya's stability.
He asked for 2.5 per cent of the national budget, noting that they could not do much with one per cent.
