Judiciary to publish judges’ performance data in new accountability drive

‎The Judiciary will begin publishing individual performance data for judges and judicial officers as part of a new transparency and accountability drive aimed at improving public confidence in the administration of justice.

‎The announcement was made by Judicial Service Commissioner Everlyne Olwande during the 13th Heads of Stations Forum, where judicial leaders from across the country gathered to discuss ways of improving court management and service delivery.

‎The forum was convened under the theme “Enhancing Judicial Excellence through Effective Court Station Management.”

‎Speaking at the event, Olwande said the Judiciary was introducing a structured and transparent framework that would allow publication of performance indicators while safeguarding judicial independence and institutional integrity.

‎“This decision is rooted in a principle that our theme implicitly affirms; judicial excellence is not self-certifying. It must be demonstrated, documented and reported,” she said.

‎Olwande noted that judicial authority in Kenya is derived from the people and therefore accountability to the public could not be avoided.

‎“Judicial authority in Kenya is exercised in the name of the people. They are the ultimate consumers of justice and its primary financiers. Accountability to them is not optional, it is constitutional,” she said.

‎According to the commissioner, the publication of performance data would provide measurable indicators showing how courts and judicial officers are handling cases and improving service delivery.

‎“Publishing performance data is how we show, in concrete terms, that we take that accountability seriously,” she added.

‎The move is expected to place greater scrutiny on court stations across the country, particularly on issues such as case clearance rates, backlog management, case flow efficiency and public perception of court services.

‎Olwande challenged Heads of Stations to begin strengthening internal systems and workplace culture to ensure their stations perform effectively under the new accountability framework.

‎“As Heads of Station, you are at the centre of this shift. How your stations perform in clearance rates, backlog management, case flow and public perception will increasingly become part of the institutional record,” she said.

‎“Begin now to build the culture and systems that will make your stations stand out for the right reasons.”

‎The Judiciary has in recent years faced growing public pressure over delays in the determination of cases, backlog of matters in courts and concerns about efficiency within some court stations.

‎Judicial officials attending the forum reflected on progress made in improving access to justice and modernising court operations, while reaffirming the institution’s commitment to transparency and integrity.

‎The Judicial Service Commission said integrity and adherence to the rule of law remained critical pillars in sustaining public trust and confidence in the Judiciary.

‎“The Commission remains committed to advancing an effective, efficient and transparent administration of justice for all Kenyans,” officials at the forum said.

‎The planned publication of judicial performance data is set to mark one of the most significant shifts in court accountability measures in recent years, as the Judiciary moves toward a more performance-driven justice system.