DELAYED JUSTICE

Sakaja calls for clearance of backlog cases by judiciary

Says he is confident that 6,200 disputes will be settled in a fortnight

In Summary

• "Backlog of cases needs to be addressed. Delays cause people time, money and resources," Sakaja said.

• The Judiciary is however, conducting interviews and the judges, once appointed are expected to clear the backlog.

Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja addressing MCAs on October 19, 2022.
DELAYED JUSTICE: Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja addressing MCAs on October 19, 2022.
Image: WILFRED NYANGARESI

Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja has called for clearance of backlog cases by the judiciary.

Speaking on Friday at the launch of the annual state of the Judiciary report, he said the delay was denying people justice.

"Backlog of cases needs to be addressed. Delays cause people time, money and resources," Sakaja said.

He suggested that the judiciary should add more manpower to handle the issues.

The Judiciary is however, conducting interviews and the judges, once appointed are expected to clear the backlog.

Sakaja further commended the Judiciary for the partnership with county governments that led to the establishment of the valuation court, which was gazetted last month.

AdChoices
ADVERTISING
 
AdChoices
ADVERTISING
 

He said he is confident the 6,200 disputes will be settled in the next two weeks.

The county boss revealed that construction on small claims court in Dagoreti and Huruma are on course.

"We will have a special budget approved to ensure those courts are completed in due time," Sakaja said.

The governor also commended Chief Justice Martha Koome for establishing the special Gender Based Violence courts in Shanzu.

The courts are expected to showcase best practices towards ensuring expeditious trials through stakeholder engagement and collaboration through the Court User Committees.

Special court was a much-needed move towards guaranteeing access to justice for victims of SGBV, which rights groups have often lamented that they are denied due to Out-Of-Court settlements and other impediments.

In February, the Association of Media Women In Kenya and partners such as the Coalition on Violence Against Women began a campaign petitioning for enhanced access to justice for victims.

The groups said the Chief Justice had taken too long on her promise to set up these special courts to handle SGBV cases effectively.


WATCH: The latest videos from the Star