Chief Justice Martha Koome has urged judges to adopt better case management practices to prevent the accumulation of pending judgments.
She said this will ensure justice is delivered within the prescribed timelines.
She noted that the law requires judgments to be delivered within 60 days of the conclusion of hearings, yet complaints persist about some cases remaining unresolved for over a year.
“The statutory requirement is that judgment should be delivered within 60 days of the conclusion of the hearings, but we are still receiving complaints of judgments pending for over a year,” she said.
Speaking in Mombasa during the closing ceremony of the 2025 Annual High Court Leaders Conference held at Sarova Whitesands Beach Resort, the Chief Justice called for the implementation of Rapid Results Initiatives (RRI) in judgment delivery.
Koome emphasized that certain categories of cases—especially family, succession, and commercial matters—are among the most sensitive and impactful, and therefore require swift resolution.
“In particular, there is an urgent need for an RRI focusing on uncontested succession matters, as it is unjustifiable for litigants to wait for years with their cases lingering in court where there is no contestation,” she highlighted.
At the same time, the Chief Justice raised concerns over the presence of brokers and imposters within the judiciary, terming them a major challenge that continues to taint its image.
“These individuals who position themselves as intermediaries are giving judges and judicial officers a bad name and contributing to the negative public perception of our institution. I urge all of you to take deliberate steps to eliminate these brokers from our court corridors,” she emphasized.
To address the issue, Koome revealed that she has engaged the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) to investigate the presence of imposters within court facilities.
Additionally, to bolster transparency and accountability, she announced the rollout of court integrity committees at each High Court station and division to address integrity concerns throughout the justice system.
“We recognize that many of the complaints raised by court users regarding corruption are not always about judges or judiciary staff, but sometimes involve actors from other justice sector agencies operating within court premises,” she noted.
She explained that these committees will bring together all relevant stakeholders within the justice sector to jointly develop strategies for preventing, detecting, and responding to corruption-related issues.
The Chief Justice also commended judges for their commitment during the conference, citing that a total of 120 case files were reviewed during the week.
As a result, 49 offenders will serve their sentences under structured probation programmes focusing on rehabilitation and community service, while 20 were lawfully released after demonstrating readiness for reintegration.
According to Koome, this progress aligns with the Social Transformation through Access to Justice (STAJ) blueprint, particularly its pillars of restorative and green justice.
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Instant analysis
Fast-tracking cases is essential to uphold the principle that justice delayed is justice denied. Prolonged court delays not only frustrate litigants but also erode public confidence in the judicial system. Timely judgments ensure accountability, protect rights, and promote economic and social stability—especially in sensitive matters like family, succession, and commercial disputes. Equally important is the need to crack down on imposters and brokers who exploit court users and tarnish the image of the judiciary. Their presence fosters corruption and mistrust. A clean, efficient justice system is vital for the rule of law and must be safeguarded through integrity reforms.
