The Judicial Service Commission (JSC) has taken the decision to suspend the recruitment process for 11 judges intended for the Court of Appeal, a move that was scheduled to commence imminently. Chief Justice Martha Koome announced this development following directives from the National Treasury to reduce spending to only 15 percent of the allocated budget, prompting the JSC to reassess its planned activities.
Impact on Judicial Operations
Chief Justice Koome emphasized the necessity of making significant adjustments to planned programs due to the fiscal constraints. As a result, all pending recruitments have been halted, and the JSC will now prioritize only critical and essential services. This decision is expected to impact the Judiciary’s operations, potentially causing delays in dispensing justice, particularly as the Court of Appeal is already facing understaffing issues.
According to Chief Justice Koome, the Court of Appeal currently operates with 29 judges across six stations nationwide, limiting its capacity to handle cases efficiently. As of May 2024, the court had a backlog of 13,331 pending cases, underscoring the urgent need for additional judicial appointments to alleviate the strain.
Efforts to Expand Judicial Capacity
The JSC had previously sought to expand the number of judges in the Court of Appeal from 30 to 70, aiming to enhance service delivery and reduce case backlogs. However, with the current budgetary restrictions, these plans have been put on hold, reflecting broader austerity measures being implemented by the government in response to financial challenges.
Security and Future Funding
Chief Justice Koome also highlighted the allocation of resources towards enhancing security within the Judiciary, following the tragic shooting death of magistrate Monica Kivuti at the Makadara Law Courts. Looking ahead, she stressed the need for increased funding in the upcoming financial year to address immediate security concerns and operational needs.
In conclusion, while the JSC had previously announced vacancies and shortlisted candidates for the Court of Appeal positions, the ongoing budget crisis has necessitated a reevaluation of these plans, pending further financial clarity and support from legislative and executive bodies.
