Civil society groups challenge Ksh.10 million car grant for judges

Civil society organisations and religious leaders are seeking to join a case challenging the Ksh.10 million car grant awarded to judges, as the dispute heads to the Supreme Court on Wednesday.

The groups want the court to overturn the benefit, arguing that it is unconstitutional and places an unnecessary financial burden on taxpayers.

In their challenge, the organisations argue that judges already have access to official vehicles and question the need for an additional grant.

They warn that the benefit could cost taxpayers more than Ksh.1.61 billion every four years, arguing that the money would be better directed towards essential public services.

The case follows an appeal by the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC) against a Court of Appeal ruling that upheld the grant.

The groups are asking the Supreme Court to consider the public interest and accountability in determining whether the benefit should stand.