CJ Koome calls on courts to intensify efforts to reduce case backlog

Speaking during the opening of the 2026 Annual Heads of Station Forum in Meru on Monday, Koome said delayed justice continues to undermine confidence in the court system and called for urgent administrative and leadership interventions to address the growing backlog of cases.

The Chief Justice noted that nearly 85 percent of all cases in Kenya are handled and resolved at the subordinate court level through Magistrates’ Courts and Small Claims Courts, making efficient station management essential in ensuring timely justice delivery.

She directed Heads of Station to adopt practical and measurable backlog reduction strategies, including regular case audits, strict adherence to timelines, prioritization of older matters, and continuous monitoring of pending cases.

Koome emphasized that backlog management should not be treated purely as a judicial function but as a leadership and administrative responsibility requiring accountability, discipline, and innovation.

“Court stations are the face of the Judiciary for most Kenyans. Delays in handling cases directly affect public trust and access to justice,” she said.

The Chief Justice also called for closer monitoring of court performance indicators such as case clearance rates, adjournment trends, and barriers slowing down case progression, saying data-driven management is necessary to improve efficiency within court stations.

She identified unnecessary adjournments as one of the leading causes of delays and directed courts to take greater control of litigation timelines to prevent prolonged disputes.

Koome further encouraged wider use of technology and digital systems, including case tracking platforms and e-filing systems, to help courts identify bottlenecks and improve case management processes.

To support efforts aimed at easing workload pressure, the Chief Justice highlighted the recent swearing-in of 98 Resident Magistrates and Adjudicators recruited by the Judicial Service Commission.

However, she cautioned that increased staffing alone would not automatically resolve delays unless accompanied by effective supervision, proper deployment of resources, and stronger accountability mechanisms at station level.

The forum, held under the theme Enhancing Judicial Excellence Through Effective Court Station Management, brought together Heads of Station from across the country to discuss strategies for improving efficiency, accountability, and service delivery within the Judiciary.

Also addressing the forum, Isaac Mutuma M’Ethingia said efficient court management is central to strengthening public confidence in democratic institutions and the rule of law.

Chief Registrar of the Judiciary Winfridah Mokaya urged judicial leaders to actively supervise staff, manage resources responsibly, and strengthen accountability systems within court stations.

Registrar of Magistrates Courts Caroline Kabucho challenged court leaders to embrace technology and innovation, saying digital tools such as e-filing, case tracking systems, and SMS feedback platforms are critical in reducing delays and improving transparency in the justice system.