The Cabinet has approved a Ksh26 billion investment to expand the judiciary’s infrastructure through the Judicial Performance Improvement Project Phase II, a programme being implemented in partnership with the World Bank.

The approval was made during a Cabinet meeting chaired by President William Ruto at State House, Nairobi, as the government outlined measures aimed at improving public service delivery and supporting economic growth through strategic infrastructure investments.

According to the Cabinet, the funding will finance the construction of a new Supreme Court complex, a dedicated Court of Appeal, a consolidated Tribunals and Judiciary Administration complex, and a modern Kenya Judiciary Academy.

“Cabinet also endorsed major investments in strategic infrastructure to strengthen public services and accelerate economic growth. It sanctioned the KSh26 billion Judicial Performance Improvement Project Phase II.”

“In partnership with the World Bank, to build a new Supreme Court complex, a dedicated Court of Appeal, a consolidated Tribunals and Judiciary Administration complex, and a modern Kenya Judiciary Academy, strengthening access to justice, improving judicial efficiency and boosting investor confidence.” Read a statement from the cabinet

Koomes remarkls on judiciary buildings

This comes as Chief Justice Martha Koome raised concerns over the deteriorating state of the current Supreme Court building in Nairobi, expressing hope that construction of a new ultra-modern facility will begin soon.

Speaking during the Law Society of Kenya’s Wiri Towers project, Koome said the judiciary has never had a dedicated modern Supreme Court building since independence.

She described the current premises as dilapidated, revealing that parts of the building have been condemned, the toilets are in poor condition, and previous additions, including prefabricated structures, have compromised its integrity.

The Chief Justice also cited safety concerns, saying there are fears the ageing building could collapse if urgent action is not taken. She further noted that the Judiciary had previously faced challenges with an adjacent market encroaching on the court premises, adding that the situation was addressed by clearing illegal parking around the facility.

Court of Appeal

Koome said a new Supreme Court building remains one of the judiciary’s key legacy projects, alongside new Court of Appeal and tribunal facilities and the completion of ongoing court infrastructure across the country.

She expressed optimism that construction could begin in the next financial year, around June or July 2026, subject to the availability of resources and government support, saying the project is essential to strengthening an independent judiciary that reflects Kenya’s constitutional aspirations.