Judiciary gets 36 new judges, additional budgetary support after State House meeting

All branches of government have pledged to collaborate in carrying out their responsibilities with a deep respect for the rule of law, institutional independence, and unwavering adherence to court decisions.

The latest development comes after President William Ruto convened a meeting on Monday, January 22 at State House Nairobi, bringing together all branches of government amid an ongoing schism between the Executive and the Judiciary.

The gathering aimed to develop anti-corruption strategies, strengthen accountability, and streamline service delivery for Kenyan citizens.

“The Executive, Legislature and the Judiciary agree to individually develop policies, guidelines, regulations and legislative proposals to achieve the objectives of fighting corruption, improving service delivery and enhancing institutional accountability of all arms of Government to the people of Kenya,” read a communique from State House Spokesperson Hussein Mohammed.

During the meeting, leaders from all three branches of government acknowledged the serious threat posed by corruption, recognising its infiltration into every aspect of governance.

They highlighted the negative impact on the country's development potential and the urgent need for transformative action.

In a collective commitment, each arm of government pledged to step up efforts to improve service delivery, combat corruption, and uphold justice.

This commitment aims to strengthen accountability to Kenya's people while also signalling a united front against government corruption.

The executive, legislative, and judicial branches agreed to develop policies, guidelines, regulations, and legislative proposals independently.

These measures are designed to achieve the shared objectives of fighting corruption, enhancing service delivery, and ensuring institutional accountability.

Within the next 30 days, each branch of government will present their proposals to a National Council of the Administration of Justice (NCAJ) forum chaired by Chief Justice Martha Koome. 

This forum will develop a roadmap outlining immediate, medium-term, and long-term actions to be taken.

To strengthen the fight against corruption and improve service delivery, the Executive and Legislature pledged to support the Judiciary's request for additional budgetary allocation.

This includes provisions for the recruitment of 25 judges for the High Court and 11 judges for the Court of Appeal, as well as resources to complete the vehicle leasing programme to meet the judiciary's transportation needs.

President William Ruto, the Legislature, and the Judiciary reaffirmed their commitment to upholding the rule of law, institutional independence, and unwavering respect for court decisions.