The International Association of Women Judges (IAWJ) Kenya Chapter has expressed strong opposition to the ongoing Law Society of Kenya (LSK) boycott of courts, cautioning that the action threatens timely access to justice for vulnerable Kenyans, particularly women and girls.
In a statement released on July 30, 2026, the association highlighted that the boycott exacerbates existing case backlogs and delays dispute resolution for those most in need of protection within the justice system.
Impact on Vulnerable Groups
The IAWJ noted that despite efforts by judges and judicial officers to reduce pending cases, the courts remain overwhelmed by a workload exceeding available resources. They emphasized that the boycott undermines Article 48 of the Kenyan Constitution, which guarantees access to justice, and places innocent parties at risk of missing critical hearing dates.
Concerns Over LSK Directives
The association also criticized the LSK for issuing guidelines directing advocates on which courts to attend and how to conduct court business. They argued such directives interfere with judicial independence, violating Article 160 of the Constitution that ensures the judiciary operates free from external control.
Call for Constructive Engagement
While acknowledging that complaints against judicial officers may exist, the IAWJ stressed that a court boycott is not the appropriate channel for addressing them. Instead, they urged advocates to use established institutions such as the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) and the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) to handle misconduct allegations.
The association called on the LSK leadership to engage constructively with the judiciary and other stakeholders to resolve disputes and maintain uninterrupted justice delivery, especially for women and children.
"The Association wishes to call on the leadership of the LSK to engage constructively with the leadership of the Judiciary and other relevant stakeholders and entities to resolve any outstanding issues to ensure smooth and uninterrupted delivery and administration of justice to women and children in Kenya and beyond," the statement read.
The statement was signed by Court of Appeal Judge and IAWJ Kenya Chapter President Hellen Amolo Omondi, concluding with an appeal for unity and reason among all justice sector actors.
