Kindiki Urges East African Judges to Speed Up Justice Delivery
Speaking at the opening of the 22nd East African Magistrates and Judges Association Annual Conference in Nairobi on Tuesday, Prof. Kindiki stressed that delays in the judicial system hinder growth and widen inequality
By : Mweru Mbugua
Nairobi, December 2, 2025 – Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has called on judges and magistrates across the East African region to accelerate the delivery of justice, emphasizing its crucial role in the socio-economic development of the region
Speaking at the opening of the 22nd East African Magistrates and Judges Association Annual Conference in Nairobi on Tuesday, Prof. Kindiki stressed that delays in the judicial system hinder growth and widen inequality
“When justice is inaccessible, development stalls, inequality widens, and the promise of the rule of law becomes hollow
Our judicial systems must therefore function not as barriers, but as open doorways through which fairness, dignity, and economic opportunity can flow to every corner of our region,” he said
The Deputy President urged courts to be more accessible, efficient, and responsive to modern societal needs, noting that many citizens especially women, youth, small entrepreneurs, and rural communities still find courts distant, slow, and intimidating
Prof. Kindiki encouraged the adoption of flexible mechanisms such as Alternative Justice Systems (AJS), Court-Annexed Mediation (CAM), and Small Claims Courts to resolve disputes faster and more affordably
“Justice cannot be confined to stone buildings or rigid procedures. It must instead travel to where people live, work, trade, and build families,” he added
He further affirmed Kenya’s commitment to a stronger East Africa, with judiciaries that listen to citizens, uphold dignity, and deliver justice fairly and swiftly
Prof. Kindiki also highlighted that national security, cohesion, and fairness form the foundation of the East African Community nations
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“The future of East Africa is about cultivating shared values anchored in fairness, dignity, and institutional integrity
Justice is the glue that binds societies and the foundation of peaceful, prosperous, and united communities,” he reiterated
While acknowledging progress in human rights, gender equality, and protection of vulnerable groups, Prof. Kindiki challenged judicial officers to also champion socio-economic freedoms, emphasizing that social and economic empowerment should complement civil and democratic rights
