Judiciary welcomes Cabinet approval of Phase II Judiciary improvement project
By Faith Lagat, July 1, 2026The Judiciary has welcomed the Cabinet’s approval of Phase II of the Judiciary Improvement Project, a major infrastructure initiative valued at Ksh26 billion and supported by the World Bank.
The approval, made during a Cabinet meeting on June 30, 2026, paves the way for the expansion of key judicial infrastructure aimed at improving the administration of justice across the country.
In a statement on July 1, 2026, the Judiciary said the second phase of funding will support the construction of new facilities for the Supreme Court, the Court of Appeal and the Judiciary’s Administration Headquarters. The project is intended to address longstanding space challenges at the current Supreme Court Building, which was constructed in 1930 for a much smaller Judiciary.
The Judiciary noted that the historic building currently houses the Supreme Court, the Court of Appeal and the Judiciary’s Administration Headquarters, despite the significant expansion of the institution over the years. As a protected national monument, the building will be renovated rather than replaced, with the new facilities complementing the existing structure.
New facilities to ease space constraints
The project will also provide permanent facilities for 28 tribunals that have come under the Judiciary since the promulgation of the Constitution in 2010.
According to the Judiciary, the tribunals have operated without a corresponding expansion of infrastructure, creating operational challenges over the years.
Funding will further support the construction of a permanent home for the Kenya Judiciary Academy, which has been operating from leased premises since its establishment. The Judiciary said owning a dedicated facility will help reduce long-term operational costs while strengthening judicial training.
The infrastructure expansion is expected to improve working conditions for judicial officers and staff while creating additional space to accommodate the Judiciary’s growing responsibilities.
Next steps after Cabinet approval
The Judiciary said Cabinet’s approval now allows the National Treasury to formally engage the World Bank on the proposed financing in line with the law governing funding from multilateral development partners.
If the World Bank approves the funding, the project will still require appropriation by the National Assembly before implementation begins. It will also be subject to compliance with Kenya’s public procurement laws.
The Judiciary said the approval represents an important milestone in efforts to modernise court infrastructure while preserving the country’s judicial heritage through the planned renovation of the Supreme Court Building.
Building on earlier reforms
The second phase builds on the gains made under the first phase of the project, which was implemented between 2013 and 2021.
During that period, World Bank funding supported the construction of new courts in various parts of Kenya, expanding access to justice by bringing judicial services closer to communities.
The Judiciary said the new phase focuses on strengthening national judicial institutions through modern infrastructure that reflects the expanded mandate of the institution under the 2010 Constitution.
Judiciary Spokesperson Paul Ndemo said the Cabinet approval marks an important step toward addressing infrastructure challenges that have emerged over the years as the Judiciary has grown in size and responsibilities.
The Judiciary said the proposed developments are intended to provide adequate facilities for the Supreme Court, the Court of Appeal, tribunals, the Judiciary Administration and the Kenya Judiciary Academy while supporting efficient service delivery in the justice sector.