Acting Chief Registrar of the Judiciary Paul Ndemo has revealed that the justice system institutions in the country are in crisis over the Ksh100 billion funding deficit.

Speaking during a meeting held in Mombasa on Thursday, February 29, 2024, by all heads of Justice system actors and government officials including Chief Justice Martha Koome, Ndemo told the National Council on the Administration of Justice (NCAJ) that the Justice sector agencies are facing systemic failure due to lack of sufficient funds.

Ndemo stated that the Justice sector agencies which include the Judiciary, Office of the Attorney General, Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) and the National Police Service are facing financial problems and urged the government to increase funding adding that the same is vital to keep the agencies functioning.

“We need a re-think about funding this particular sector. Ksh100 billion in our view in the larger scheme of things for an entire sector is a crucial amount of money to support the justice sector,” the acting Chief Registrar of the Judiciary Paul Ndemo told a meeting of the National Council on the Administration of Justice.

Other under-funded agencies include the NCAJ itself, Kenya Prisons Service, Probation & Aftercare Department, the Independent Police Oversight Authority, Witness Protection Agency and the National Council for Law Reporting among others.

The Registrar, who serves as the NCAJ Acting Secretary, added that the justice sector agencies play a very critical role in ensuring the rule of law in the society is maintained, giving local and external investors confidence that matters are predictable and that justice is prompt.

Ndemo also said there is a need for a supplementary budget to fund NCAJ and the anti-corruption agenda in the current FY totalling Ksh83 million and NCAJ Bill at Ksh18 Million.

Apart from the financing shortfall to the individual justice sector agencies, the NCAJ is also facing a funding gap that stands at Ksh285 million.

“The funding is to support deepened reforms, strengthening justice sector monitoring and evaluation, justice sector research and innovation, statutory council annual reporting and engagements, and grassroots administration of justice through Court User Committees,” Ndemo said.

The Director General, Budget, Fiscal & Economic Affairs at the National Treasury Albert Mwenda said the government was keen to support the justice sector given its critical role in economic development and the fight against corruption.

“If you have a strong justice system, we are able to support implementation of strategic government objectives and deliver on the socio-economic needs of the country,” Mwenda said.