The Lower Eastern Times Opening The Third Eye
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According to the annual Judiciary report released on Friday, courts have resolved 509,664 out of the 516,121 new cases filed this year, achieving an impressive 99% Case Clearance Rate (CCR).
Criminal cases made up 57% of the filings, marking a 3% decrease compared to last year. On the other hand, civil cases saw a 3% increase, continuing a four-year upward trend, as highlighted in the *State of the Judiciary and Administration of Justice Report* (SOJAR) for 2023-2024.
Chief Justice Martha Koome, presenting the report, credited the high CCR to the courts’ improved efficiency during the year. She noted a 14% rise in resolved criminal cases and a 32% increase in resolved civil cases, helping reduce the case backlog.
However, the report also revealed a 1.2% rise in pending cases, from 625,643 to 649,310, with the Supreme Court, Court of Appeal, Magistrates’ Courts, and Small Claims Courts being the most affected.
The report emphasized efforts to transform society through better access to justice, aiming to create an independent, efficient, and accessible judicial system that serves the needs of all Kenyans, particularly vulnerable and marginalized groups.
It also addressed ongoing challenges and offered recommendations for improvement, covering key areas like court efficiency, legal reforms, digital transformation, and access to justice. The report includes statistical data on case handling, clearance rates, and the overall state of the justice system.
One notable initiative, Mahakama Popote, deployed judicial officers across the country to resolve cases, with 7,665 cases handled and 6,269 resolved, resulting in a CCR of 79%.
The Judiciary also resolved 2,095 cases involving minors during the Children National Service Month, prioritizing long-standing cases involving children, some of which had been pending for up to three years.
Regarding technological advancements, Koome highlighted the Judiciary’s progress in improving access to justice and service delivery. Key developments included the nationwide implementation of an e-filing system, expansion of the Case Tracking System (CTS), and the digitization of court records.
In terms of infrastructure, the Judiciary established five new High Court stations in Isiolo, Thika, Kibera, Nyandarua, and Kwale, bringing the total number of counties with a High Court to 46. Several other courts, including Environment and Lands Court (ELC) stations and new Magistrates Courts, were also set up or upgraded, increasing the overall accessibility of courts.
The creation of 27 Small Claims Courts at border points further supported cross-border trade, making justice more accessible in regions such as Busia, Malindi, and Wajir.
On staffing, the Judiciary promoted 2,290 employees and operated at 68% of its approved staff capacity. While male judges made up 58% of the workforce, there was higher female representation among magistrates. However, individuals with disabilities accounted for only 2% of the workforce, below the institution’s target of 5%.
Finally, Koome reported that the Judiciary received 1,115 complaints, with 93% resolved, primarily related to judicial misconduct. Disciplinary actions, including reinstatements and dismissals, were taken against several judges, magistrates, and staff.
