Registrar of the High Court Lydia Achode (right) briefs President Kibaki and Prime Minister Raila Odinga on the working of the modernised Milimani Law Courts , Nairobi February 24, 2011. President Kibaki assured the government shall respect the Judiciary as a key institution in promoting the rule of law. FREDRICK ONYANGO.
By PPSPosted Thursday, February 24 2011 at 14:57
President Kibaki has assured that the government shall respect the Judiciary as a key institution in promoting the rule of law.
Calling on Kenyans to follow suit, President Kibaki affirmed that a strong, independent and incorruptible judicial system was a key pillar of national stability.
“It is important for all of us to remember the importance of upholding the independence of the Judiciary. Indeed, it is one of the three arms of government, the other two being the executive and the legislature.”
The President, however, urged the Judiciary on its part to not only deliver judgment fairly and expeditiously but also to faithfully interpret the law.
"On their part, the citizens of our country expect from the Judiciary, fair and expeditious application and interpretation of the law. Confidence building is a two way path. A strong, independent and fair judicial system, devoid of corruption is a key pillar of national stability,” said the President.
Speaking when he officially opened the new Milimani Law Courts at Upper Hill, the Head of State affirmed Government’s commitment to protecting the stature of the judiciary even in the budgetary allocations to facilitate in discharging its constitutional mandate.
The President noted that enormous resources would be required to install important facilities and the newly created judicial structures such as the Supreme Court, the Office of the Deputy Chief Justice, Secretariat for the Judicial Service Commission and adequate court facilities in all the 47 counties.
With regard to the ongoing reforms, President Kibaki expressed satisfaction with the achievements realised so far and pledged government’s support to the judiciary in its transformation process as envisaged under the Constitution.
“I would like to state that the Government will continue to support the Judiciary as it implements the reforms under the new constitutional dispensation.”
In order to achieve a robust judiciary, the President said a faithful process of vetting the judges and magistrates should be set up but added that it must in itself be an embodiment of justice.
"I am happy to note that the National Assembly is about to conclude the passage of the relevant laws which will be used in the process of renewing our Judiciary.
"This is an important step, in the implementation of the Constitution. Natural justice must apply to this process so that we end up with a robust Judiciary which will grow from strength to strength,” said President Kibaki.
Assuring of government’s commitment in the modernisation of the judiciary, President Kibaki termed the project a milestone which heralds many benefits in the general administration of justice.
“My Government is committed to funding the modernisation of the judiciary. I am particularly pleased that this Courthouse incorporates the digitization and automation of court proceedings and processes. This is an important milestone, which will bring about numerous benefits to the administration of justice.
“Some of these benefits include: reduction in the time spent by counsel, litigants and judicial officers in looking for files, hasten the processing of court records for appeal purposes, enable judicial officers to prepare and deliver their rulings on time, allow parties to access the details of their cases including status online; and reduce the costs and time of litigation,” observed the President.
The newly refurbished building comprises of 56 courtrooms and a similar number of chambers.
He appreciated that adequate court facilities not only greatly reduce the backlog of cases being handled by the judiciary but also speeds up determination of the cases thus facilitating national development.
Said the Head of State: “In addition to this new courthouse, I am aware that the Judiciary has initiated several projects aimed at enhancing access to justice, in many parts of our country. I encourage the Judiciary to work tirelessly to ensure that every Kenyan can easily access the corridors of justice when they need to.”
Prime Minister Raila Odinga warned land grabbers to keep off public resources, especially land, which are set aside for future expansion of government institutions including law courts.
Mr Odinga said the government had consented to a request by the Registrar of the High Court, Lydia Achode, that the adjacent FORODHA house owned by the customs department be allocated to the Judiciary.
Constitutional Affairs minister Mutula Kilonzo lauded the principals for the leading role they have played in the implementation of reforms.
Mr Kilonzo also praised MPs for passing the Judicial Service Bill, which he said was critical to introduction of Information Technology and delivery of e-Judicial services.
He hinted that the Draft Bill on establishment of the country’s Supreme Court would be ready for tabling in Parliament soon.
Outgoing Chief Justice Evan Gicheru, in his farewell speech, took pride in the introduction of direct banking of court fines in the High Courts and Magistrates courts in the country.
Mr Justice Gicheru said the new measures adopted by the Judiciary were aimed at addressing any conspiracies between judicial officers, Lawyers and District treasuries.
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