Chief Justice Martha Koome led the swearing-in ceremony of 69 newly recruited resident magistrates, who will also serve as small claims court adjudicators.
During the ceremony, she emphasized the crucial role played by Magistrates’ Courts and Small Claims Courts in the justice system, highlighting their significance as “people’s courts.”
In her address, Chief Justice Koome explained that the bulk of cases, including criminal, traffic, and civil matters, are heard and resolved at Magistrates’ Courts and Small Claims Courts, accounting for approximately 85% of cases within the Judiciary.
She further noted that these courts often serve unrepresented litigants, making them the primary point of contact for most people with the legal and justice system.
Koome expressed a commitment to transforming each court station, starting with the Magistrates’ Courts, into centres of excellence in service delivery.
She urged the newly sworn-in magistrates to address case backlogs and delays in justice delivery, emphasizing the Judiciary’s goal of ensuring that no court case remains pending in a Magistrates Court for more than three years or in a Small Claims Court for more than sixty days.
The Chief Justice stressed the importance of active case management, efficient time management, and excellent customer care. She encouraged the magistrates to uphold the “no adjournment” policy, ensuring that cases are heard to a conclusion once set for hearing. Additionally, Chief Justice Koome emphasized the need to adhere to statutory timelines for delivering rulings and judgments.
She advised the magistrates to familiarize themselves with the ‘Code of Judicial Conduct and Ethics’ and make it a guide in all their actions. Chief Justice Koome emphasized the importance of independent judgment, free from external influence or motivation, while deciding cases.
Regarding judicial ethics, she mentioned that the Judiciary and the Judicial Service Commission are enforcing a policy of “zero tolerance” for corruption within the Judiciary. Chief Justice Koome assured swift and firm action against any allegations of corruption, emphasizing the significance of maintaining integrity in judicial careers.
Deputy Chief Justice Philomena Mwilu also played a role in the swearing-in ceremony, which took place in Naivasha, coinciding with the induction of the officers into their roles.
