As we conclude the year 2024, I join fellow Kenyans in thanking God for protecting and preserving our country amidst very challenging times where we lost the precious lives of our young people, many were injured and property destroyed.
As we usher in the year 2025, I pray
that we will be more reflective and that respect for the Constitution and the Bill of Rights will remain our true north with the realization that every life matters.
I also celebrate Kenyans for believing in the rule of law and call upon us all to continue defending and being strong champions of justice.
2024 was a difficult year where we suffered significant budgetary constraints.
In spite of this, we have made great strides together to deepen access to justice and enhance the efficiency of the
Judiciary.
This year, our focus on clearing case backlogs has yielded remarkable results.
Our Case Clearance Rate (CCR) has improved significantly, with courts achieving a 99% CCR, underscoring our steadfast commitment to delivering justice expeditiously.
The establishment of additional courts and alternative pathways to justice has brought judicial services closer to the
people.
At the start of the year, there were 135 magistrate courts. With the addition of five new magistrate courts, this number has grown to 140, further decentralizing justice and enhancing accessibility of justice for litigants.
The High Court reviewed 27,257 cases during the year, contributing to the easing of prison overcrowding by facilitating the release or transfer of 29,612 inmates.
Our Mahakama Popote initiative, designed to distribute cases nationally for adjudication, has been particularly
impactful in overcoming the challenges of a 52% judicial staff deficit.
Additionally, the nationwide roll-out of e-filing across all court stations has been a major highlight of the year, affirming our continued commitment to leveraging technology for judicial efficiency.
These achievements would not have been possible without the dedication of our Judges, Judicial Officers, Judiciary Staff, and the steadfast support of our stakeholders.
However, resource constraints remain a significant challenge.
Currently, magistrates handle an average of 1,304 cases per person, while judges of superior courts handle 676 cases each – far exceeding the recommended workload of 700 cases per Judicial Officer or 120 cases per Judge to ensure trials
conclude within three years and appeals within one year.
Despite these challenges, our collective commitment to continuous improvement assures our unfettered ability to defend the constitution and the rule of law, no matter the circumstances.
I extend my gratitude to our Judges, Judicial Officers, and staff for their dedication to excellence and service, which has been the cornerstone of our progress.
Judicial accountability, as demanded by the Constitution, requires a whole-of-society approach.
Corruption within the Judiciary cannot exist independently of corruption within the legal profession or broader society.
Addressing this vice demands action at individual, family, community, and societal levels.
The Judicial Service Commission (JSC), established by the Constitution to promote accountability and integrity in judicial service, remains resolute in investigating and addressing complaints related to unethical conduct while ensuring fairness in its processes.
As we step into 2025, I am confident that we will build on this momentum. Our focus will remain on enhancing the quality of justice for all Kenyans.
We will continue to champion the
principles of integrity and accountability, striving to make the Judiciary an efficient, people-centered, and service-oriented institution.
In the coming year, we will intensify efforts to ensure the timely delivery of justice and expand access to justice in ways that catalyze social transformation, as envisioned in the Constitution.
May 2025 unite us in the fight for a collective future, even as we remain vigilant against any incitement to weaken the Judiciary—the very institution entrusted with safeguarding the rule of law and the Constitution.
I wish all Kenyans a happy, peaceful, and prosperous New Year, 2025.
Hon. Justice Martha Koome, EGH
Chief Justice and President of the Supreme Court of Kenya
