A recent report by the National Council on the Administration of Justice (NCAJ) has unveiled a funding deficit of over Ksh100 billion across justice agencies throughout Kenya.
Following a three-day meeting of the NCAJ, concerns have been raised regarding the underfunding across multiple sectors under its umbrella.
The Judiciary, Office of the Attorney General, Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, and the National Police Service are among the sectors grappling with significant underfunding during the current financial year.
“We need a re-think about funding this particular sector. Ksh100 billion in our view in the larger scheme of things for an entire sector is a crucial amount of money to support the justice sector,” remarked the acting Chief Registrar of the Judiciary Paul Ndemo.
Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC), Kenya Prisons Service, the Probation & Aftercare Department, the Independent Police Oversight Authority, the Witness Protection Agency, the National Council for Law and the NCAJ itself were also reported to be underfunded.
According to Ndemo, the sector plays a critical role in ensuring the rule of law in society is maintained. Underfunding the judiciary is therefore a major roadblock in giving local and external investors confidence that justice is prompt in the country.
He also added that there is a need for a supplementary budget to fund NCAJ to the tune of Ksh18 million while the anti-corruption agenda should also receive extra funds to the tune of Ksh83 million.
Ndemo who also doubles as the NCAJ secretary further clarified that apart from the financial shortfall, the council was experiencing a funding gap of Ksh285 million.
“The funding is to support deepened reforms, strengthening justice sector monitoring and evaluation, justice sector research and innovation, statutory council annual reporting and engagements, and grassroots administration of justice through Court User Committees,” Ndemo further commented.
Meanwhile, the Director General of Budget, Fiscal & Economic Affairs at the National Treasury Albert Mwenda confirmed to the council the government's commitment to support the justice sector.
“If you have a strong justice system, we can support the implementation of strategic government objectives and deliver on the socio-economic needs of the country,” Mwenda said.
Mwenda reinstated that the delivery of justice is critical in unlocking key economic development, especially in the commercial justice sectors.
