By Issa Hussein - Reporter
Kenya, May 19, 2026 - Chief Justice Martha Koome has called for stronger management of court stations across the country, warning that poor administration and endless adjournments are undermining public confidence in the Judiciary and delaying justice for Kenyans.
Speaking during the opening of the 2026 Annual Heads of Station Forum in Meru, the Chief Justice said subordinate courts remain the backbone of Kenya’s justice system, handling the vast majority of cases filed nationwide.
“Approximately 85 per cent of all cases in Kenya are resolved at subordinate court level,” Justice Koome said, stressing the need for efficient court leadership to improve service delivery and reduce case backlog.
The forum brought together Heads of Station from across the country under the theme *Enhancing Judicial Excellence Through Effective Court Station Management.*
Justice Koome noted that court stations are the first point of contact for most Kenyans seeking justice, particularly through Magistrates’ Courts and Small Claims Courts.
“The effectiveness of the Judiciary is directly linked to the efficiency of court management systems,” she said.
“Well-managed stations promote confidence, accountability and timely delivery of justice, while weak management undermines public trust and contributes to delays.”
The Chief Justice challenged judicial officers to adopt data-driven management systems by closely monitoring pending cases, adjournment trends and clearance rates to identify bottlenecks affecting the delivery of justice.
She further directed courts to crack down on unnecessary adjournments, describing them as one of the leading causes of delays and growing backlog.
“Backlog management is not solely a judicial issue but also a leadership and administrative responsibility requiring discipline, innovation and continuous monitoring,” she said.
Justice Koome also urged greater use of technology, including e-filing and digital case tracking systems, to improve efficiency and accountability in court operations.
To address staffing shortages, the Chief Justice pointed to the recent recruitment and swearing-in of 98 Resident Magistrates and Adjudicators by the Judicial Service Commission, saying the move would help ease workload pressure in courts.
However, she cautioned that increasing personnel alone would not solve systemic challenges without proper supervision and accountability.
“Integrity remains the foundation of public confidence in the Judiciary,” she said, urging Heads of Station to ensure court registries operate professionally, transparently and fairly.
Meru Governor Isaac Mutuma M’Ethingia, who attended the opening ceremony, said strong judicial institutions are critical to safeguarding democracy and the rule of law.
“Nations across the world are not judged by their economies but by how they respect institutions and the rule of law,” the governor said.
Chief Registrar of the Judiciary Winfridah Mokaya urged court leaders to strengthen supervision and accountability among staff to improve service delivery.
“To lead our courts effectively, we must actively supervise staff, set clear expectations and cultivate a culture of discipline and accountability,” she said.
Registrar of Magistrates’ Courts Caroline Kabucho called on judicial officers to embrace digital systems and modern technology to enhance transparency and speed up case resolution.
“Tools such as e-filing, the case tracking system, monthly returns, the SMS feedback platform and JMAPS are not optional — they are essential,” Ms Kabucho said.
“They make our courts faster, more transparent and more accountable. Let us not resist change. Let us lead it.”
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