JSC SECRETARY WINFRIDAH MOKAYA/FILE
The Judiciary has unveiled a broad reform programme that includes specialised election dispute training, new court infrastructure, stronger accountability measures and improved public communication ahead of the 2027 General Election.
The reforms, approved by the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) and the Judiciary Leadership Team (JLT), also include infrastructure upgrades, digitalisation and measures aimed at improving access to justice.
Chief Registrar of the Judiciary Winfridah Mokaya said the reforms are intended to strengthen the institution's capacity to handle election disputes efficiently and fairly.
The JLT approved an Election Dispute Resolution (EDR) curriculum that will guide training and capacity building for judges, judicial officers and relevant Judiciary staff.
The development comes as the country prepares for the 2027 General Election, when courts are expected to play a key role in resolving disputes arising from the electoral process.
The reform package also includes an Infrastructure Masterplan aimed at expanding access to justice and modernising court operations.
The plan covers construction, rehabilitation and maintenance of courts, ICT and digital infrastructure, alternative and green energy solutions and the progressive development of model constituency courts.
The Judiciary said the model constituency courts are intended to bring court services closer to Kenyans and improve access to justice.
The Masterplan is supported by a costed implementation plan designed to guide planning, resource mobilisation and allocation, absorption of available resources and phased implementation.
The reforms were agreed during joint deliberations between the JSC and JLT on Friday, with the institutions seeking to address concerns over delays, case backlogs, integrity, performance and public confidence.
Mokaya said the ultimate goal is to create a Judiciary that remains independent but is also accountable and responsive to Kenyans.
“The Judiciary and the JSC will enhance their communication approach from one that is predominantly responsive during moments of controversy,” the communiqué stated.
The institutions said they will instead pursue regular and transparent engagement with the public.
The public will receive clearer information on reforms, institutional performance, backlog-reduction initiatives, integrity measures, service improvements and challenges being addressed.
The Judiciary will also strengthen public education on court processes, judicial independence and institutional accountability, particularly during periods of heightened public interest.
On judicial independence, the JSC and JLT reaffirmed that judges should not face disciplinary action merely because of unpopular decisions.
However, they said independence cannot be used to shield corruption, misconduct, incompetence or conduct inconsistent with the Constitution and judicial oath.
The institutions will continue discussions on strengthening the framework for dealing with judicial misconduct, including conduct that may warrant accountability but does not meet the constitutional threshold for removal.
The Judiciary also plans to strengthen its handling of complaints by working with the National Assembly’s Committee on Delegated Legislation to finalise Complaint Handling Regulations.
The regulations are expected to establish a clear and procedurally fair framework for complaints against judges and judicial officers.
Mokaya said the reforms are ultimately about improving service to court users and restoring trust in the justice system.
The JSC and JLT will establish a joint implementation and accountability framework to turn the resolutions into measurable action.
Progress will be reviewed regularly, with responsible offices required to account for implementation.
The institutions said success would be measured through timely and efficient justice, reduced case backlogs, stronger integrity and accountability, credible performance reporting, improved responsiveness and greater public confidence.
