LSK announces nationwide boycott of court services from next week
By Emmanuel Rono, July 18, 2026The Law Society of Kenya (LSK) has announced a nationwide boycott of court proceedings on Wednesday, July 22, 2026, in protest against persistent failures in the administration of justice and to push for institutional reforms.
Speaking in Machakos on Saturday, July 18, 2026, after an engagement with leaders from the LSK Southeast Branch and Machakos Chapter, LSK President Charles Kanjama said the one-day boycott will require advocates across the country to refrain from participating in all court hearings and applications.
“The Council communicates its resolution to undertake a nationwide boycott of court proceedings on Wednesday, July 22, 2026, intended to emphasise the seriousness of the concerns raised by members and to call for meaningful institutional interventions that will restore confidence in the administration of justice,” Kanjama said.
What will proceed despite boycott
He, however, clarified that the boycott will not affect the filing of new cases.
Kanjama added that court mentions and applications involving interim orders will also proceed, but only for the purpose of obtaining fresh hearing dates or extending interim orders where necessary.
He said the decision follows growing concerns raised by advocates over the functioning of the judiciary, citing delays in the hearing and determination of cases, registry inefficiencies, judicial accountability, and the working environment for lawyers.
“Advocates continue to experience delays in hearing and determination of matters, as well as rulings,” he said.
He added that “members have reported persistent inefficiencies in court registries,” while also raising concerns over “the effectiveness of the mechanisms to address complaints against judges and judicial officers.”
The LSK says the boycott is aimed at drawing attention to the challenges facing the justice system and pressing for meaningful institutional reforms to restore public confidence in the administration of justice.