Chief Justice Martha Koome, will today lead a solemn event at the Makadara Law Courts, in honor of Honourable Monica Kivuti, the late Principal Magistrate, who tragically died in the line of duty.
This event will see participation from Judicial Service Commission (JSC) commissioners, National Council for Access to Justice (NCAJ) members, Judges, Judicial Officers, staff, and various stakeholders from the justice sector.
In a coordinated effort, each court station across the country will hold similar remembrance events, uniting the judiciary in mourning and reflecting on the dedication and service of the late Hon. Kivuti.
Today’s event was part of broader, recently announced measures to improve judiciary staff’s security and working conditions.
On Monday, the judiciary revealed a series of new directives to enhance the safety of its officers, stating that judicial services will no longer be provided in makeshift structures.
CJ Koome, emphasized the necessity of these changes in a public statement and she underscored the judiciary’s commitment to engaging robustly with other relevant state agencies and stakeholders to implement long-term measures that will ensure the safety and security of court premises for Judges, Judicial Officers, Judiciary staff, and Courts.
The CJ expressed regret that despite previous requests for sufficient resource allocation from the Executive and Parliament to upgrade court facilities, the judiciary is yet to receive the necessary support to ensure the efficient and safe execution of judicial duties. This latest decision marks a significant step towards addressing these longstanding issues.
Today’s event serves as a poignant reminder of the risks faced by those in the judiciary and the urgent need for improved conditions to support their critical work.
Honourable Monica Kivuti’s dedication and service will be remembered as the judiciary takes these important steps towards ensuring a safer and more secure working environment for all its members.