Chief Justice Martha Koome has issued a firm defense of the Judiciary’s autonomy in the face of recent controversy surrounding the implementation of the new housing levy law. Koome emphasized that the Judiciary, as the third arm of government, had not been party to any agreements regarding the housing levy program.
This statement comes in response to remarks made by President William Ruto during a speech in Bomet, where he claimed that the Executive had reached an understanding with the Judiciary on the housing levy initiative. However, speaking in Naivasha on Thursday, CJ Koome reiterated the independence of the Judiciary, affirming its commitment to fulfilling its legal obligations regarding the housing levy matter.
Koome underscored the Judiciary’s impartiality by highlighting its role in a court case that led to the suspension of the levy’s implementation. Moreover, she dismissed a proposed bill aiming to merge the Employment and Labour Relations Court with the Environment and Lands Court, asserting that such a move was outdated.
The Chief Justice emphasized that the Judiciary had conveyed its concerns to Parliament, opposing legislative measures that could undermine progress in addressing labor issues in the country. Despite these challenges, Koome commended the Employment and Labour Relations Courts for their efforts in reducing case backlog, citing the resolution of over 3,400 cases in the past year and a decrease in adjournment rates.
Labour Cabinet Secretary Florence Bore echoed Koome’s sentiments, affirming the ministry’s commitment to modernizing outdated labor laws. Meanwhile, Justice Daniel Musinga, speaking on behalf of the Court of Appeal, disclosed a significant caseload of 8,443 appeal cases received in the last six months, with Nairobi registering the highest number at 891.
The remarks from Chief Justice Koome and other officials underscore the ongoing efforts to uphold the independence of the Judiciary and address pertinent legal issues affecting the country’s labor landscape.
Recent Comments