KENYA: Ruto Reaffirms Commitment to Access to Justice at Judges’ Swearing-In

By Moses Punyuah, Nairobi 

President William Ruto has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to deepening access to justice, citing increased investment in the Judiciary and ongoing reforms to improve the welfare of judicial officers.

Speaking at State House, Nairobi, during the swearing-in of 15 newly appointed judges of the Court of Appeal, President Ruto said the commitment to justice for all Kenyans is “demonstrable and beyond doubt.”

“We have not only facilitated the expansion of human capital in the Judiciary but have also enhanced budgetary allocation, which now stands at Ksh 26.9 billion,” the President said.

He noted that the government is also keen on improving the welfare of judicial officers, pointing to the Judges’ Retirement and Benefits Bill, which he said is at the final stages of consideration in Parliament.

At the same time, President Ruto challenged the Judiciary to accelerate the resolution of cases and remain alive to the lived realities of Kenyans.

“The Judiciary must be faster in resolving disputes, and its decisions should not appear to impede the implementation of critical public policy priorities,” he said.

The President congratulated the newly sworn-in judges, urging them to uphold integrity, independence and fairness as they discharge their mandate at the Co

urt of Appeal.