The Judicial Service Commission (JSC), chaired by Chief Justice Martha Koome, has emphasized the importance of following constitutional processes for addressing complaints against judges amid calls by the Law Society of Kenya (LSK) for a boycott of some judicial officers.

During a consultative meeting with LSK and the Senior Counsel Bar, the JSC cautioned that disrupting court proceedings as a form of protest undermines access to justice, delays case resolution, and infringes on litigants' constitutional rights.

Complaints and Disciplinary Actions

This year, the JSC disclosed receiving 506 complaints and petitions concerning judges and judicial officers, with 417 already processed and others at various stages including formal hearings. The commission assured that all cases are handled fairly and in line with constitutional and legal frameworks.

Since 2011, the JSC has recommended the removal of 10 judges through constitutional tribunals, with four judges ultimately removed, demonstrating its commitment to uphold judicial integrity and accountability.

Reforms and Transparency Initiatives

The commission is advancing reforms aimed at increasing transparency, including a policy to publish individual performance data of judicial officers. Although this policy is currently under litigation, the Judiciary is validating the data in preparation for eventual publication.

Performance metrics for the 2024/25 financial year show strong court efficiency, with the Supreme Court scoring 96.3%, the Court of Appeal 84.97%, the High Court 86.8%, Magistrates’ Courts and Environment and Land Court both at 87.12%, and the Kadhi Courts performing notably at 95.41%.

New Regulations and Commitment to Justice

The JSC has developed the Judicial Service (Petition for Removal of a Judge) (Procedure) Regulations, 2026, currently before Parliament, to establish clear guidelines for handling removal petitions.

Furthermore, the commission condemned threats and cyberbullying targeting judicial officers and legal practitioners, underscoring that while public scrutiny is vital, personal attacks damage the justice system’s integrity.

The JSC reaffirmed its collaboration with LSK to fight corruption and unethical conduct within the Judiciary and legal profession, urging the public to utilize formal disciplinary channels and assuring Kenyans of continued access to impartial justice.

Accountability and judicial independence, the Commission stated, are complementary pillars vital to the rule of law.