Judiciary budget allocation suffers Sh2bn shortfall

Chief Justice David Maraga who earlier said the Judiciary needed a significant increment in its budget allocation. However, Treasury Cabinet Secretary Henry Rotich Thursday allocated the Judiciary a Sh15.2 billion budget, almost Sh2 billion less than last year's allocation. FILE PHOTO | NATION MEDIA GROUP

What you need to know:

  • The Judiciary's budget has been declining every year, a move seen as curtailing its independence.
  • Notably, the CS allocated more funds to Parliament, which employs fewer people compared with the Judiciary.
  • During Dr Willy Mutunga’s tenure, the budget was rapidly increased.

Treasury Cabinet Secretary Henry Rotich allocated the Judiciary a Sh15.2 billion budget, almost Sh2 billion less than last year's allocation.

Notably, the CS allocated more funds to Parliament, which employs fewer people compared with the Judiciary.

In the budget released Thursday, Mr Rotich allocated Parliament Sh36.8 billion.

“Additionally, we have enhanced the oversight and legislative role of Parliament and access to justice by allocating Sh36.8 billion to Parliament and Sh15.2 billion to the Judiciary,” Mr Rotich said.

The reduction means the Judiciary will have to make adjustments and postpone some of its plans, such as building more courts.

Early this year, Chief Justice David Maraga said there were anticipated changes that entailed streamlining some structures and job titles.

The CJ said the Judiciary's organisational review report, which started in December 2016, has been adopted by the Judicial Service Commission.

The Judiciary's budget has been declining every year, a move seen as curtailing its independence.

During Dr Willy Mutunga’s tenure, the budget was rapidly increased.

“Given our staff establishment of 5,619 and our presence in every part of the country, we need a significant increment in our budget allocation,” the CJ said.