Kibaki: Govt keen on reducing case backlog

President Kibaki has said the government is keen on employing more judges to help reduce the backlog of cases pending before the courts.

He said more judicial staff would be hired to ensure cases do not pile up.

“There is a need to recruit more judges and I am optimistic that out of a large pool of qualified legal professionals in the country, more judicial staff would be hired to ensure appropriate staffing levels,” he said at State House, Nairobi Tuesday where he witnessed the swearing-in of seven newly appointed judges of the Court of Appeal.

“I urge the new court of appeal judges to uphold integrity, promote the spirit of teamwork, avoid distractions and focus on dispensing justice in accordance with the law.”

He encouraged young lawyers to apply for the jobs once they are advertised.

President Kibaki expressed confidence that the judges were equal to the task ahead of them and urged them to use their vast knowledge and skills to restore Kenyans’ faith in the country’s new-look judicial system.

The judges are Roseline Nambuye, Wanjiru Karanja, Martha Koome, Kaplana Rawal and Hannah Magondi Okwenga. Others are Paul Kihara Kariuki and David Kenani Maraga.

At the same time, the President conferred on Chief Justice Willy Mutunga, the Elder of the Golden Heart of Kenya (EGH) for his distinguished service to the nation and for his role in leading reforms in the judiciary under the Constitution.

The ceremony was also witnessed by Prime Minister Raila Odinga, Vice-President Kalonzo Musyoka among other ministers, Chief of Defence Forces Gen Julius Karangi and Director of Public Prosecutions Keriako Tobiko.