Chief Justice Martha Koome has taken a decisive step by suspending the recruitment of eleven Court of Appeal judges in response to impending budget reductions affecting the Judiciary. In her capacity as the Chairperson of the Judicial Service Commission (JSC), Koome highlighted the government’s decision to slash the Judiciary’s budget as the primary reason for this unprecedented move.

Expressing concern over the financial constraints imposed on the Judiciary, CJ Koome revealed that the Treasury’s circular mandated a significant budget cut, limiting expenditure to a mere 15% of the allocated funds. This development compelled the JSC to suspend all ongoing recruitment processes, including the appointment of the 11 Court of Appeal judges slated to begin immediately.

Koome emphasized the critical impact of the budget cuts on the Judiciary’s operations, stressing the urgent need for additional resources to ensure optimal service delivery. She emphasized the Judiciary’s vital role in upholding democracy and the rule of law, underscoring the necessity of adequate funding for maintaining public order and justice administration.

Furthermore, Koome highlighted the tragic loss of Makadara Magistrate Monica Kivuti, which prompted security enhancements within the courts, calling for increased government support in addressing emerging security challenges and logistical needs in the upcoming fiscal year. The JSC is set to engage with Parliament and the Executive to advocate for enhanced budgetary allocations to safeguard the efficacy and integrity of the Judiciary and the JSC.