The magistrates’ courts have recorded the highest number of case adjournments, according to data released by the Judiciary.
As of December 2024, the courts, which handle the majority of cases, accounted for 16% of the adjournments, representing 68,785 hearings postponed out of 431,823 case events.
A detailed review of the top reasons indicated includes the unavailability of witnesses who don’t show up (23pc), advocates not ready (10pc), Judge on official duty (7pc) and Court indisposed (6pc).
Other courts also recorded adjournment rates as follows: Court of Appeal 11pc, Environment and Land Court 8.1pc, the High Court 5.1pc, Employment and Labour Relations Court 5pc, Small claims court 4,3pc, Tribunal 4pc, Kadhi court 3.5pc, while the Supreme Court had none.
The Judiciary is holding weekly stakeholder and public sensitization engagements, giving updates on key issues.
Chief Justice Martha Koome has been pushing for enforcement of the “no adjournment” policy, as part of the court’s commitment to minimizing delays and ensuring that justice is not only done but done expeditiously.
In response to questions, the Judiciary has highlighted ongoing interventions aimed at reducing adjournments.
The efforts include the recruitment of more judges, judicial officers, and staff to expedite case resolution and improve access to justice.
To date, a total of 88 judges have been recruited, including 2 Supreme Court Judges; 17 Court of Appeal Judges, 40 High Court Judges, 9 ELRC Judges and 20 ELC Judges.
Others are 70 magistrates, 142 Legal researchers, and 2,580 staff.
By Margaret Kalekye
