The Judiciary has assured all court stations nationwide that no more budget cuts will be imposed under the current financial ceilings.

Speaking during the 12th Heads of Station Forum in Makueni on Tuesday, June 24, 2025, Judiciary Chief Registrar Winfridah Mokaya reaffirmed commitment to maintaining stable functioning despite operating below the optimal funding threshold.

“I can confidently affirm that no court station will face further budget cuts under the current ceilings. We remain committed to ensuring courts are adequately facilitated, even as we operate below our optimal funding threshold,” she started.

The Judiciary received a significant funding boost in the 2025–26 national budget, with an allocation of Ksh27.8 billion, up from Ksh24.7 billion in the previous financial year, representing a Ksh3.1 billion boost.

Announcing the figures during his presentation in Parliament on June 12, 2025, Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi stated that the increased funds will support the administration of justice nationwide.

Withdraws job advert

This comes a few months after the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) cancelled 171 job vacancies in the Judiciary, citing financial constraints.

In a notice on Tuesday, March 4, 2025, JSC announced the withdrawal of the advertised positions but did not specify if or when they would be re-advertised.

“This is to notify the general public and the applicants that owing to fiscal constraints currently affecting the country, the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) has cancelled the advertisements for the following positions,” the notice read in part.

The affected positions included 60 vacancies for legal researchers, 25 diploma internships in office administration (secretarial services), and 12 graduate internships in information communication and technology (ICT).

Others include graduate and diploma internship positions in fields such as supply chain management, records management, electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, and architecture.

JSC advised applicants seeking further clarification to contact the commission through its official phone number, email, or offices at CBK Pension Towers in Nairobi.

In November 2024,  Chief Justice Martha Koome raised concerns over the persistent underfunding of the Judiciary, revealing that its budget has been cut by nearly 50 per cent over the last three financial years.

Speaking during the launch of the State of the Judiciary and Administration of Justice Report 2023-2024, Koome noted that while the Judiciary had achieved a 99 per cent case clearance rate, financial challenges were limiting further progress.

During the same event, Mokaya urged all court station heads to provide exemplary leadership as they represent the judiciary in serving the Kenyan people.

“As heads of stations, you are not just custodians of court operations – you are the judiciary’s frontline commanders. The strength of our courts, the trust of our people, and the future of judicial administration all rest on the quality of your leadership,” she added.