President William Ruto has announced an increase in the budgetary allocation to sectors combating corruption and promoting justice and accountability from Sh87 billion to Sh108 billion in the current financial year.
Speaking during the swearing-in of 20 new High Court Judges at the State House on Tuesday, Ruto said the increase aims at ensuring the sectors are effective and efficient.
Ruto noted that this is because the nation's economy and security and the people's rights and freedoms depend on it.
"To support these efforts, we have increased budgetary allocations to sectors combating corruption, and promoting justice and accountability since the 2022-23 financial year, from Sh87 billion to Sh108 billion in the current financial year," Ruto said.
The President emphasised that the government will not hesitate to make its contribution to the enhancement of sectors combating corruption, and promoting justice and accountability.
This, he said, is especially through support for infrastructure development projects.
Of the increased funds, Ruto said they contribute to the judiciary’s infrastructure development, including the construction of courts, staff recruitment, and capacity building for law enforcement agencies.
The Head of State acknowledged the establishment of small claims courts across the country, noting that it has brought justice closer to the people and resulted in a significant increase in the number of resolved cases.
Noting that the government advocates for an independent judiciary, he said the bottom-up economic transformation agenda acknowledges the critical role of governance institutions, and in particular, the place of a strong and effective judiciary in Kenya's progress and inclusive prosperity.
The President called for the collaboration of different arms of the government and institutions.
Ruto noted that an independent judiciary, an effective executive, a progressive legislature, an open civil society, and a vigilant media are not mutually exclusive.
"They share a mandate to serve the people and should facilitate each other's efforts," the President said.
