President William Ruto affirmed the Executive’s unwavering support for the Judiciary, emphasizing its crucial role in serving the Kenyan people. Speaking at the swearing-in ceremony of 20 newly appointed High Court judges at State House, Nairobi, President Ruto underscored the importance of an effective and efficient judiciary for the country’s economy, security, and safeguarding of rights and freedoms.
“We shall make our contribution to enhance the capacity of the judiciary to deliver justice in every part of Kenya, especially through infrastructure development projects,” said President Ruto.
He pledged to contribute to enhancing the judiciary’s capacity, particularly through infrastructure development projects, to ensure justice delivery across Kenya. Highlighting the increased funding for the justice and law and order sectors, President Ruto emphasized the government’s commitment to combating corruption and promoting accountability, which includes investment in infrastructure and capacity building for law enforcement agencies.
“Some of these resources have contributed to the judiciary’s infrastructure development, including the construction of courts, staff recruitment and capacity building for law enforcement agencies,” he said.
He added: “I am happy that the establishment of small claims courts across the country has brought justice closer to the people and resulted in a significant increase in the number of resolved cases.”
President Ruto expressed satisfaction with the establishment of small claims courts, which have facilitated easier access to justice and led to a significant rise in resolved cases. He stressed the importance of collaboration among the three arms of government—executive, legislature, and judiciary—in serving citizens better and advancing inclusive prosperity.
“An independent judiciary, an effective executive, a progressive legislature, an open civil society, and a vigilant media are not mutually exclusive; instead, they share the mandate to serve the people and should complement one another’s efforts,” the president said.
Acknowledging the critical role of governance institutions in Kenya’s progress, President Ruto reiterated the government’s commitment to supporting an independent judiciary, effective executive, progressive legislature, open civil society, and vigilant media. He emphasized the need for accountability and transparency across all arms of government, citing the operationalization of the Public Benefits Organizations Act of 2013 as a step towards promoting participatory governance.
“By unifying regulations and promoting participatory governance, we aim to increase accountability and transparency across all arms of government,” he said.
“Ultimately, we will be judged not by how we serve the strong and influential, but by how we support the weak, the poor, and the vulnerable,” he added.
President Ruto urged the newly appointed judges to uphold integrity and professionalism, rejecting corruption in all forms. He emphasized that integrity is essential for maintaining the credibility of the judiciary and public institutions, warning that any hint of corruption undermines the authority and effectiveness of the courts.
“I encourage you to commit yourselves to serving the people with integrity and professionalism and to reject corruption in all its manifestations,” he said.
Without integrity, he pointed out, the credibility of the judiciary, as well as all public institutions, would be severely questioned.
“Corruption, even the slightest hint of it, irreversibly compromises the authority and effectiveness of our courts,” said the President.
In conclusion, President Ruto called on the judges to adhere to the principles outlined in the Constitution, particularly Articles 10 and 159, and their solemn oath of office. He emphasized that their dedication to these mandates and commitment to serving the people of Kenya without bias or influence will determine the nation’s progress, freedom, and prosperity.
“Your devotion to these mandates and undertakings and your commitment to diligently serve the people of Kenya, and do justice to them – without fear, favour, bias, affection, ill-will, prejudice, or any political, religious or other influence – will make the difference between progress and failure, freedom and tyranny, and prosperity and destitution for the people of our beloved nation,” said Dr Ruto.
