The Judiciary

The Kenyan Judiciary is established under Chapter 10, Article 159 of the 2010 Constitution as an independent organ tasked with delivering judicial authority on behalf of the people. Its primary mandate is to resolve disputes impartially, safeguard rights and liberties, and uphold the rule of law in alignment with constitutional principles. The Judiciary operates through a structured court system, including the Supreme Court, Court of Appeal, High Court, and subordinate courts like Magistrates’ Courts, Kadhis’ Courts, and Tribunals, each with distinct jurisdictions to ensure comprehensive access to justice.

Guided by its vision of "Justice Be Our Shield and Defender," the Judiciary emphasizes accessibility, efficiency, transparency, accountability, inclusiveness, and shared leadership. It has introduced innovative measures such as Court Annexed Mediation (CAM) to reduce case backlogs and promote alternative dispute resolution, in line with Article 159(2)(c) of the Constitution. Virtual courts have also been adopted, enhancing access for remote and marginalized communities by leveraging technology to bridge geographical gaps and expedite case resolutions.

The Judiciary collaborates with governmental, non-governmental, and private sector stakeholders to advance research, policy development, and social transformation through justice access. It is supported by related institutions like the Judicial Service Commission (JSC), which ensures independence and accountability, and the Kenya Judiciary Academy (KJA), which focuses on training and capacity building. Together, these efforts underscore the Judiciary’s commitment to professionalism, integrity, and equitable justice delivery for all Kenyans.

The Judiciary website is accessible at: https://judiciary.go.ke