Chief Justice David Maraga has stepped up his mandate over staff complaints on privileges accorded to magistrates and judges.
This follows protests that some members and staff at the judiciary are accorded more privileges than others.
In a memo sent to all judges, staff and judicial officers, the CJ directed that all invitations to conferences, training, and workshops shall be addressed to him for approval.
“I have been receiving numerous requests for approval to attend conferences, training and workshops on invitation of various local and international organizations and agencies made directly to specific judges and magistrates.
[caption caption="Magistrates during a past workshop"]
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“This has resulted in complaints that some judges and judicial staff are favoured above others. Henceforth, approvals for such invitations addressed to the specific judges and other staff will not be granted,” advised the CJ.
Agencies seeking to engage judicial officers in the sessions will, however, be allowed to propose to the CJ who they prefer to involve in their activities.
Maraga has also directed that only judges will be entitled to air tickets for domestic duty travel. Magistrates and other staff will only travel by air after he makes the approval but will be expected to travel by road or use a train.
The Auditor General had in March put the judicial service commission on the sport over increased travel and subsistence expenditures by Ksh21.7 million. Ouko also queried JSC on training expenses that had increased by Ksh53.8 Million.
[caption caption="East African Magistrates and Judges Association during a meeting "]
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In a response seen by Kenyans.co.ke, JSC stated that in the 2014/15, their budget was Ksh100 million down from the previous year out of which Ksh27 million was for training sessions.
During the financial period in question by the Auditor General, JSC’s budget was reinstated and the commission told Ouko that this justified their increased expenditure.
