Nairobi: Chief Justice (CJ) Martha Koome, today officially opened the induction workshop for newly appointed Court of Appeal Judges in Nairobi. CJ Koome informed the judges that they were joining the Court at a pivotal moment as the Judiciary implements an ambitious people-centered vision known as the Social Transformation through Access to Justice (STAJ) blueprint.
According to Kenya News Agency, the blueprint emphasizes the importance of courts serving as ‘centres of excellence’ in service delivery. CJ Koome insisted that the Court of Appeal must aim for excellence in both its jurisprudence and court operations. She expressed enthusiasm about the new appointments, believing they will enable the Judiciary to address concerns regarding expedited appellate proceedings more effectively. The CJ highlighted that delays in hearing and determining cases and appeals are a common complaint among the Kenyan public.
Furthermore, CJ Koome highlighted the Judiciary’s transformative blueprint, which sets a clear institutional target for the conclusion of cases: three years at the trial courts and one year at the appellate stage. This target aims to streamline judicial processes and improve access to justice.
On his part, the Court of Appeal President, Daniel Musinga, remarked that the recruitment of an additional 15 judges would enhance the court’s capacity to sit regularly, form benches predictably, and serve stations consistently, as is deserved by the litigants.
Meanwhile, Chief Registrar of the Judiciary Winfridah Mokaya, who also spoke during the induction, reiterated that the new judges were joining the Court at a critical time requiring a decisive increase in judicial capacity. She assured that her office would provide the necessary administrative and operational support to the appointed judges.
