Siaya Courts Slash Backlog: Kemei Hails Progress Amid New Cases

By Kepher Otieno - Reporter

Kenya, 31 January 2026 - Siaya residents are celebrating a judicial turnaround. Courts in the county have ramped up case hearings and slashed long-standing backlogs.

The latest SOJAR 2024/2025 report shows dramatic improvements.

Led by Paul Obongo, Siaya courts have cleared cases dating back to 2017. Their performance now ranks among the best nationally.

At a Judiciary Dialogue Day in Siaya Town, Obongo applauded the progress. “Case determination has gained momentum at Siaya Courts. Judges should maintain it,” he said.

He singled out Justice David Kemei and magistrate judges. “They have raised the bar in service delivery and shouldn’t engage reverse gears,” Obongo added.

Confidence in the courts is growing. “We trust them to clear backlog cases,” said Paul Randiak, a Gender Expert. He praised the courts for handling Gender-Based Violence cases efficiently.

According to SOJAR, Siaya Magistrate Court reduced backlog by 49%. Ninety-four percent of applications concluded within 180 days. Sixty-four percent of criminal cases were closed within 360 days. Civil cases concluded within 360 days stood at 42%, while 92% of judgments were delivered as scheduled.

During the financial year, 1,482 cases were filed, 1,143 resolved, and 3,232 remained pending by June 2025. Some were over three years old.

Senior Magistrate Lucy Nafula attributed improvements to service weeks. Children’s and succession service weeks helped clear old cases. Plans are underway to expand this strategy to other case categories.

Justice David Kemei highlighted his personal efforts. “I had old cases from 2017 in my tray. The first six have been cleared. I have another six, and one has been determined so far,” he said.

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He stressed the stakes. “Reducing case backlog is key, even as we manage new cases. The longer a case lingers, the more injustice the client suffers. We no longer sit on our laurels. We prioritise cases.”

Siaya High Court is performing well. It ranked sixth nationally in hearing and determination of cases. For Environment and Lands Court matters, Siaya ranked first. Chief Magistrate Courts and Small Claims Courts also scored highly in national rankings.

Justice Kemei also issued advice to residents: “Write a will. Over 80% of succession cases are contested. The National and High Courts handle these matters from petition to grant confirmation. Many litigants appear in person, posing challenges.”

The courts are getting help. Officials from the Attorney General’s office are stationed in Siaya to assist residents with legal representation. A dedicated office at Siaya High Court will address public legal needs.

Yet challenges remain. Sexual and Gender-Based Violence is rising. “Even with the Sexual Offences Act, these crimes continue. Prisoners appeal, while new offenders appear daily,” Kemei said.

He called on community leaders to intervene at the grassroots. Youths are the main offenders, often influenced by local hotspots known as disco matangas. “Several murder cases we handle stem from these gatherings,” he added.

Siaya courts are clearly on an upward trajectory. But as Justice Kemei cautions, legal reforms, community vigilance, and public awareness remain critical to sustain gains and tackle persistent social ills.