Kenya judiciary reports higher case disposal rates as chief justice appoints new magistrates

Principal Judge Lady Justice Jane Frances Abodo praised the High Court Criminal Division for improved performance, noting a 44.42% disposal rate and a 130.24% clearance rate for the 2025/26 financial year. The division handled 3,976 cases, concluding 1,766, and highlighted advances in data management and digital case tracking despite challenges such as a shortage of State Attorneys, staff illness, internet instability and incomplete digitisation.

Chief Justice Martha Koome announced the appointment of three Resident Magistrates and Deputy Registrars—Tobias Korir, Javan Aduwo and Aileen Ingati—tasked with handling succession, children and small‑claims matters. The appointments come amid an indefinite nationwide court boycott by the Law Society of Kenya, which alleges corruption and case backlogs within the judiciary. Koome affirmed that the courts remain fully operational and that the new magistrates will help alleviate caseload pressures.