Judiciary Seeks KSh 20.4 Billion More to Prepare for 2027 Election Disputes
The Judiciary is seeking an additional KSh 20.4 billion to strengthen its operations and prepare for the legal challenges expected during Kenya’s 2027 General Election.
By Emmanuel Kyengo;
The Judiciary is seeking an additional KSh 20.4 billion to strengthen its operations and prepare for the legal challenges expected during Kenya’s 2027 General Election.
The request comes as the institution seeks to secure adequate resources for handling election petitions, managing its growing caseload and improving access to justice. The proposed funding would also support court infrastructure, technology and personnel needed to deliver judicial services efficiently.
The Judiciary has proposed a budget of KSh 50.7 billion for the 2027/2028 financial year. However, the allocation indicated by the National Treasury stands at approximately KSh 30.4 billion, leaving a substantial funding gap that the institution wants addressed.
Chief Justice Martha Koome said sufficient funding would enable the Judiciary to prepare judges, magistrates and other judicial officers for election-related cases, improve courtroom automation and upgrade information and communication technology systems. The money would also support the operationalisation of additional courts and tribunals.
Judiciary Begins Election Dispute Training
The funding request comes as the Judiciary rolls out an eight-month Election Dispute Resolution training programme targeting more than 400 judges, judicial officers and other staff ahead of the August 2027 polls.
The programme is designed to equip court officials with the knowledge and skills required to handle pre-election disputes, election petitions, recounts, appeals and cases involving electronic evidence and the transmission of results.
Chief Justice Koome has stressed that electoral cases must be handled independently, impartially and within the timelines set by the law. She has also urged political leaders, candidates and their supporters to respect court proceedings and avoid intimidation or interference.
Separately, the Judicial Service Commission has requested KSh 1.833 billion for the 2027/2028 financial year, against an indicative allocation of KSh 1.038 billion, leaving a shortfall of KSh 795 million.
With the next General Election approaching, the Judiciary is seeking Parliament’s support to close the funding gap and ensure courts can manage election petitions alongside their ordinary caseload.
