The East African Court of Justice (EACJ) Conference opens on Tuesday in Kigali, Rwanda bringing together judges, legal experts, policymakers, and regional leaders to discuss the Court’s role in advancing justice, economic integration, and governance within the East African Community (EAC).
The event provides a critical platform to address the evolving legal needs and challenges faced by member states, including Kenya, and to ensure the continued development of a robust regional legal framework.
The Court’s President Nestor Kayobera while addressing the media highlighted the significant progress made, noting that despite challenges, over 500 cases have been successfully resolved out of the 800 filed since the Court’s establishment.
He emphasized the importance of timely filings, urging member states and their citizens to submit cases within two months to avoid delays and promote efficiency in the judicial process.
The two-day conference will focus on equipping judges and legal practitioners with the necessary knowledge and tools to effectively address complex challenges faced by justice seekers in the region.
It will also provide a vital platform for raising awareness and fostering dialogue on emerging legal issues that affect both regional and national judiciaries.
By identifying key areas of concern, the EACJ aims to stay ahead of legal developments and remain responsive to the changing needs of the East African region.
In addition, discussions will center around improving the court’s capacity to handle increasing caseloads, strengthening legal cooperation between member states, and exploring the role of the judiciary in promoting sustainable development, good governance, and regional peace.
