Eighty seven percent of appeal cases that had backlogged in courts were expedited by close of 2018, Chief Justice David Maraga has revealed.
Speaking in Mombasa during the official opening of the Mombasa Court of Appeal, Maraga said the judiciary would clear the remaining 4, 000 cases by the end of the year to enable cases to be heard and determined on real time.
The Chief Justice said investors have in the past opted for other countries with speedy justice systems and promised to commit the Kenyan judiciary to meet international required standards.
This he said would attract investors and place the country in a competitive state like most developed countries.
Maraga commended the government for continued support in strengthening the judiciary towards improving governance, the rule of law and the fight against corruption.
The Chief Justice observed that a well facilitated judiciary would deliver on its mandate without traditional hitches like inadequate staff, including judges.
He said that plans were complete to employ 11 more judges to Court of Appeal to add the number to 30 from the current 19 judges of the Appellate Court.
Maraga called for continued support from the other arms of government like the support availed in refurbishing the old court to almost new status fully funded by the exchequer.
He added that the judiciary remained committed in expediting cases as enshrined in article 159 of the Constitution.
The refurbished old court was started in the year 1902 in Mombasa before it moved to Nairobi in 1911. The court re-opened after its upgrading to acceptable standards.
Maraga however dismissed claims that the Court of Appeal opened in Mombasa would have jurisdiction over Malindi Court of Appeal saying Malindi remained a gazetted appeal court serving others in the coastal region.
Other courts of appeal in the country include Nyeri, Kisumu and Nairobi.
Those present during the Court of Appeal reopening included Deputy Chief justice Philomena Mwilu, Mombasa governor Ali Hasan Joho, Mombasa Senator Mohammed Faki, Attorney General Paul Kihara Kariuki among others.
By Joseph Kamolo
