Kepsa calls for transparent vetting of Kenyan judges

Written By:Kendagor Obadiah/KNA , Posted: Mon, Aug 23, 2010


The Kenya Private Sector Alliance wants the vetting of judges as contained in the new constitution to be free of political interference.

In a consultative forum organized by the ministry of justice, Kenya Private Sector Alliance (KEPSA) said the vetting must be competitive and free from personal interests.

KEPSA board member Mr. Evans Munare said that the private sector is calling for fairness in the vetting process of judiciary officials in order to come up with competent officials.

"We want a transparent process in vetting our judges and magistrates," he said.

Speaking at the forum Monday, Justice Minister Mutula Kilonzo said the constitution implementation is faced with various challenges that will need proper consultation from various sectors including the private sector.

Mutula said the new constitution has brought in new ratifications in areas of county, equalization fund which will take effect in June 2011.

"Marginalized areas have been included in the new law and not less than 15% of annual revenue will be sent directly to counties" he added

He gave an example of the raid on the standard Group offices where he noted that the new constitution covers such incidences and called on professionals from various disciplines like media to present their challenges to his ministry to help in the ratification of certain clauses in the constitution.

"Kenyans are requested to identify the laws that they feel have been set up to oppress them or violate their rights," he said.

Mutula said bills on judiciary and electoral are among those to be prioritized to ensure smooth implementation.

KEPSA Munare added that the private sector expects proper creation of commercial courts that will deal with other cases other than those of election petitions and also suggested that the Supreme Court should deal with the contentious issues that are to be implemented.

The promulgation of the new document will see the enactment of some laws such as that of vetting of public officials, the electoral law, the Judicial Service Commission and the Supreme Court.