CJ Koome calls for judicial reforms to end court delays

Chief Justice Martha Koome has called for urgent judicial reforms, emphasizing that justice should never be compromised or delayed due to inefficiencies in the legal system.

Speaking on Tuesday, Koome raised concerns about the frequent adjournments that have frustrated the public and led to a decline in trust in the courts.

She pointed out that the repeated delays in hearings were one of the most pressing issues facing the judiciary today.

“We have said many times that justice cannot be for sale, that justice cannot be compromised for anything,” Koome stated firmly.

The Chief Justice noted that such delays not only slow down the legal process but also cause unnecessary inconveniences to those involved in cases.

Litigants and lawyers, she said, often spend whole days waiting in courtrooms, only to see their cases postponed.

“One of the major issues raised by court users is the frequency of adjournments, many of which are avoidable. These delays frustrate the public and undermine trust in our courts,” Koome added.

Koome also addressed the issue of overcrowded court schedules, which she said contribute significantly to the delays. She gave an example of court schedules sometimes listing as many as 50 cases in one day.

This, she explained, results in long waits and, in many cases, some cases not being heard at all.

“I have seen some cause lists with as many as 50 cases. This practice results in long delays, and in many instances, some cases are not even reached at all. This is unfair to litigants and advocates who spend the entire day in court only to return home unheard,” she remarked.

To tackle these challenges, the Chief Justice urged judicial officers to adopt more efficient case management practices.

She called for more realistic scheduling, emphasizing the need to list only a manageable number of cases per day to ensure that all cases are heard and concluded on time.

“As judicial officers, we must ensure that we only list a manageable number of cases each day, guided by our capacity to hear and conclude them,” Koome explained.

Koome described this period as a crucial opportunity for the judiciary to reflect and make necessary reforms. She urged the judiciary to renew its commitment to the core values of integrity and efficiency.

“This scrutiny is a moment of reckoning and an opportunity for deep reflection and reform. It compels us to reaffirm our commitment to the values of integrity and efficiency that define our calling to serve justice,” she said.

The Chief Justice assured the public that efforts are underway to improve case management and reduce delays, ensuring that justice is served in a timely and effective manner.