The number of persons living with disabilities and working in the Judiciary is expected to rise from the current one percent to at least five percent.
This is after the Judicial Service Commission approved the commissioning of a Diversity Audit to enable data-driven employee engagement, growth and retention.
The Audit will see that the same is done while maintaining the constitutional requirement for a diverse workforce that empowers all, especially the vulnerable and marginalised.
The Commission made the approval following recommendations and proposals by the Policies Implementation and Oversight Committee chaired by Lady Justice Njoki Ndung'u.
The Ndung'u-led team briefed the Commission on the application of the policies and the gaps that had been witnessed in the judiciary during a meeting on Tuesday.
Following the meeting, the JSC also approved the establishment of a Gender Unit to ensure that the judiciary remains compliant with the constitutional gender imperative.
In its statement on Thursday, the Commission however noted that the judiciary is so far the only arm of government that is compliant with the two-thirds gender rule.
It also approved the establishment of an Employee Protection Unit in the Office of the Chief Justice.
The Unit is meant to develop and safeguard reporting mechanisms for victims of sexual harassment within the institution.
It will also provide effective and confidential procedures for the resolution of complaints related to sexual harassment and prevention standards.
Among the roles of the JSC is to review and make recommendations on the conditions of service for judges, judicial officers and staff under Article 172 (1) (b) of the Constitution.
Article 172 of the Constitution outlines the functions of the Judicial Service Commission.
The Commission is also mandated with developing policies that promote gender parity and inclusivity under the Judicial Service Act.
In 2021, the Commission approved the Judiciary Sexual Harassment, Gender Mainstreaming and Affirmative Action and Diversity policies.
The move was aimed at creating a safe working environment, ensuring equality of all persons and the elimination of all forms of gender-based discrimination in judicial management, administration and service delivery.
