This archive report was first published on 18 December 2019.
Kenya's Chief Justice David Maraga has emphasized the need for increased funding to improve the administration of justice in the country.
Speaking during the commissioning of the Sh98 million Chuka Law Courts building in Tharaka-Nithi County on Wednesday, Mr Maraga noted that poor funding is the main impediment to the administration of justice to Kenyans.
He stated that to establish a Magistrate court in every Sub-County and a High court in every county, he requires a budget of at least Sh5 billion.
"We have a plan to ensure that we take the judicial services closer to the people but due to the constrained budget we cannot meet our expectations," Mr Maraga said.
He added that the Judiciary is in consultation with Parliament to find a solution that will ensure the wheels of justice move faster.
Mr Maraga also noted that the Judiciary will work with community elders to deal with the backlogging of cases, particularly in civil issues such as succession.
He said that the High court in Chuka will be relocated to a five-acre land at the county headquarters in Kathwana, which has been donated by the county government, while the Chuka court will remain a Magistrate court.
Mr Maraga also highlighted the need to address the alarming number of cases of defilement, illicit brew, and drugs abuse in Chuka court, and urged elders and religious leaders to help counsel the young people who are the most victims.
He noted that there is a lot of improvement in police stations and prisons in the manner in which they are handling suspects and convicts respectively.
Tharaka-Nithi Governor Muthomi Njuki pledged to donate land in Chogoria and Kathangacini for the construction of magistrate courts, while Tharaka MP Gitonga Murugara and Chuka/Igambang'ombe constituency MP Patrick Munene promised to set aside money from the National Government Constituency Development Fund kitty for the construction of court buildings.
