Judiciary defends achievements as it seeks budget increase
By Mustafa Juma, July 17, 2025The judiciary is walking a tightrope, boasting record-breaking achievements on one hand and facing tough scrutiny over its financial practices on the other.
Appearing before the Senate Standing Committee on Justice, Legal Affairs, and Human Rights on Thursday, July 17, 2025, Chief Registrar Winfridah Mokaya defended the institution’s track record during the 2023/2024 financial year.
With a firm tone, she listed milestones: 509,664 cases resolved, a 99% case clearance rate, and High Court presence in 46 out of 47 counties.
“We have successfully expanded the High Court’s presence to 46 of 47 counties and resolved 509,664 cases, achieving a remarkable 99% case clearance rate,” she told the committee chaired by Bomet Senator Wakili Hilary Sigei.
Financial strain
But Mokaya didn’t mince words about the financial strain behind these accomplishments.
“The Judiciary received only Ksh22.42 billion against a required Ksh43.17 billion—representing a devastating 48% budget deficit,” she said.
She called on lawmakers to raise the judiciary’s allocation to at least 3% of the national budget, citing operational strain.
However, Mokaya’s push for more funding ran into resistance.
Accountability concerns
Senator Okiya Omtatah, never one to shy away from calling out institutions, challenged the judiciary to first clean house.
“The Chief Registrar must show financial prudence on what has already been disbursed, seal all avenues of wastage, and stop corruption within the Judiciary before asking for more money,” he said.
“Kenyan taxpayers deserve accountability,” he added.
However, Senator Veronica Maina applauded the Judiciary for achieving gender parity in staffing, calling it “a reflection of commitment to equity in justice.”
“This is a significant milestone and a reflection of our commitment to inclusivity and equity in the justice sector,” she remarked.
Sigei, on the other hand, zeroed in on regions like Homabay, Bomet, and Narok, where the judiciary’s response to gender-based violence, early pregnancies, and FGM remains underwhelming.
“The Kenya National Bureau of Statistics paints a very bad picture of the situation in these counties. What is the judiciary doing to protect our children and women?” he asked.
Mokaya acknowledged the concern, saying underfunding has stalled the rollout of specialised courts and child protection services in rural areas.