Chief Justice Martha Koome on Monday presided over the swearing-in of 69 newly recruited Resident Magistrates who will also serve as small claims Court Adjudicators.
Koome said it was a significant move towards improving the efficiency of the justice system.
Koome said the Judiciary has embarked on an ambitious initiative known as 'Social Transformation Through Access to Justice' (STAJ).
"The primary objective is to transform each court station, starting with the Magistrates' Courts, into centres of excellence in service delivery," she said.
Koome said one of the key targets set under the vision is to ensure no case languishes in a Magistrates' Court for more than three years and no more than sixty days in a Small Claims Court.
Notably, the CJ said the judiciary recognises the vital role played by magistrates' courts and Small Claims Courts, where a staggering 85 per cent of cases are heard and determined.
Moreover, these courts often witness the highest numbers of unrepresented litigants, making them the cornerstone of citizens' interaction with the legal system, the CJ noted.
"To achieve this, judicial officers and registry staff are committed to ensuring that case files remain active until their conclusion and closure," she said.
Crucially, Koome said, the Judiciary and the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) are unwavering in their commitment to upholding 'judicial hygiene' by enforcing a zero-tolerance policy against corruption within their ranks.
"Any allegations of corruption will be dealt with swiftly and firmly," the CJ assured.
As the new Resident Magistrates took their oaths, Koome reminded them of the paramount importance of integrity in building a career in the Judiciary.
"Their role in this endeavour is not just to administer justice but to ensure it is administered efficiently and without delay," she said.
