Deputy President William Ruto has addressed the Judiciary's budgetary allocation following a public plea by Chief Justice David Maraga.
On Tuesday, Maraga warned that 70 percent of the projects in the Judiciary would stall following a reduction from Kshs. 17.3 Billion to Kshs.14.5 Billion.
"The repercussions for this are unimaginable, with a flood of incomplete projects across the country. We are at a loss on how to use Sh50 million as 70 projects, including those funded by the World Bank, will stall," he maintained.
Responding to the outcry, DP Ruto who opened the African Bar Association Annual Conference at the KICC in Nairobi on Wednesday promised that the Judiciary's budget would be reviewed.
[caption caption="DP Ruto and CJ Maraga at the African Bar Association Annual Conference at the KICC in Nairobi on 25/7/2018"]
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He explained that there were competing interests in terms of resource allocation such as water and rural electricity.
"The discussion on sharing of resources must continue as we balance competing interests. We will find a solution ... we agree that the Judiciary has a significant role to play.
"We will not leave a functioning Judiciary behind. We will make sure all arms of government move together. The Executive will engage with Legislature to ensure sourcing to as to deliver on their mandate," he assured.
He further noted that the legal profession was an instrument of justice and must be felt in society’s development trajectory in direct and meaningful ways.
He added that the continent had done away with the old reality and ushered in a new one that had tremendous potential, which must be harnessed to opportunity for all.
"The African Bar must rise to ensure that Africa is rising on the crest of sustainable development; that it is producing a prosperity that - beyond efficiency and productivity- also reduces poverty, inequality and unemployment," he affirmed.
Ruto conveyed that the country ran a huge risk when institutions were personalized, "That is why the law provides for checks and balances and shields them from undue influence."
[caption caption="DP Ruto and CJ Maraga at the African Bar Association Annual Conference at the KICC in Nairobi on 25/7/2018"]
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