Safeguarding Judicial Independence in an Era of Judicial Reviews in the SADC Region

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1 PROCESSES AND PROCEDURES FOR STRENGTHENING THE EFFICIENCY OF THE JUSTICE DELIVERY SYSTEM THROUGH JUDICIAL REFORMS: THE CASE OF KENYA” By OTIENDE AMOLLO* A PAPER PRESENTED TO THE SADC LAW ASSOCIATION CONFERENCE ON THE THEME: SAFEGUARDING JUDICIAL INDEPENDENCE IN AN ERA OF JUDICIAL REVIEWS IN THE SADC REGION”. AT ROYAL SWAZI SPA EZULWINI SWAZILAND, 24 TH AUGUST, 2012 * CMMR. OTIENDE AMOLLO, EBS, LL.B, LL.M, Advocate, Chairperson Commission on Administrative Justice /Ombudsman, and former Member of The Committee of Experts on Constitutional Review of the Republic of Kenya

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Safeguarding Judicial Independence in an Era of Judicial Reviews in the SADC Region

Transcript of Safeguarding Judicial Independence in an Era of Judicial Reviews in the SADC Region

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    PROCESSES AND PROCEDURES FOR STRENGTHENING THE EFFICIENCY OF THE JUSTICE DELIVERY SYSTEM THROUGH JUDICIAL

    REFORMS: THE CASE OF KENYA

    By

    OTIENDE AMOLLO*

    A PAPER PRESENTED TO THE SADC LAW ASSOCIATION CONFERENCE

    ON THE THEME: SAFEGUARDING JUDICIAL INDEPENDENCE IN AN ERA OF JUDICIAL REVIEWS IN THE SADC REGION.

    AT

    ROYAL SWAZI SPA EZULWINI SWAZILAND,

    24TH

    AUGUST, 2012

    * CMMR. OTIENDE AMOLLO, EBS, LL.B, LL.M, Advocate, Chairperson Commission on Administrative Justice

    /Ombudsman, and former Member of The Committee of Experts on Constitutional Review of the Republic of Kenya

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    1.0 INTRODUCTION

    1.1 Overview

    An independent and effective Judiciary is vital for a democratic society founded on the

    rule of law and respect for fundamental rights and freedoms. The primary role of the

    Judiciary is to independently and impartially administer justice or arbitrate legal disputes.

    It also reinforces checks and balances between other arms of government to ensure

    constitutionalism. In arbitrating societal disputes or upholding the rule of law and

    limitation of governmental power, the Judiciary contributes to social order as a

    foundation for socio-economic development.

    The Kenyan Judiciary was faced with various institutional challenges which hampered its

    ability to effectively perform. Key players failed to recognize the critical role played by

    the Judiciary in maintaining a just, fair, stable and secure society resulting in serious

    challenges such as lack of operational autonomy or independence, inadequate

    financial and human resources, weak administrative structures, corruption, ineffective

    complaints and disciplinary mechanisms, poor terms and conditions of service and

    complex technicalities. All these resulted in loss of public confidence in the Judiciary.

    1.2 Socio-Political and Historical Context

    This decline of the Judiciary was also influenced by socio-political and historical factors

    since independence. For many years, it was considered as an institution not equal to the

    Executive or the Legislature. This subordination not only undermined its development, but

    also exposed it to political patronage taking the form of opague political appointments;

    nepotism, favoritism and tribalism in appointments and promotion; and judicial

    subservience by some judicial officers. In the 1980s and 1990s, most court decisions were

    in favor of the Executive as the Judiciary abdicated its role as custodian of the rule of

    law, human rights and the vanguard of fundamental freedoms. The State even passed

    amendments that removed the security of tenure of judges!

    During the single party-era, the courts of law failed to enforce the Bill of Rights, holding

    that the provisions were inoperative due to absence of rules contemplated by the Constitution. The Judiciary condoned, or ignored, gross human rights abuses perpetrated

    by the regime. Government critics were subjected to torture, detention without trial,

    denial of freedom of association or political assembly, or charges of sedition. Numerous

    task forces were set up to examine the institutional deficiencies of the judiciary resulting

    in several recommendations on the ways in which it could be transformed to meet the

    expectations of the public. Unfortunately, due to lack of resources and a clear

    framework for implementation, the execution of the recommendations were slow,

    uncoordinated and lacked political support. Minimal reforms were however carried out

    such as the introduction of specialized courts, the institutionalization of Law Reporting

    through the establishment of the National Council for Law Reporting and the

    establishment of the Judicial Training Institute

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    The resolution of cases remained inefficacious and s unfair, owing to undue regard to

    procedural technicalities and unconscionable delays (with some cases taking as many

    as ten years to be determined, or ultimately dismissed altogether on the basis of

    technicalities) which fueled agitation for constitutional and institutional. Even after the

    de-linkage of the Judiciary from the civil service in 1993, it still continued to perform

    below the expectations of the people and longstanding calls were made for

    comprehensive reform of the institution within the context of constitutional review.

    2.0 JUDICIAL REFORMS WITHIN CONSTITUTIONAL REVIEW CONTEXT.

    2.1 The Struggle for Constitutional Reform: 1992 2002.

    In Kenya the early 1990's marked the advent of multi-party democracy and the

    beginning of a formal process of constitutional reform when in 1991, section 2A of the

    Constitution was repealed. Following this, elections were held in 1992, but the general

    mood in the country was that these did not introduce genuine democracy in Kenya.

    Attention became focused on spearheading comprehensive constitutional reforms. In

    1997, the Constitution of Kenya Review Act was published and subsequently amended in

    2001 after intense negotiations between the government and the opposition. The aim

    was to facilitate the merger of the formal Government initiative and the parallel Civil

    Society/Religious groupings/Opposition Parties Initiative.

    A reconstituted CKRC was appointed in the year 2000 with Prof. Yash Pal Ghai as its

    Chairperson. It embarked on a massive programme of public education followed by the

    collection of the views of Kenyans on a new constitution. In 2002 the Final Report of the

    Constitution of Kenya Review Commission was published, the CKRC Draft Constitution

    which set the stage for the National Constitutional Conference. However, despite the

    clear programme for constitutional review in the amended 1997 Review Act, former

    President Daniel Moi prorogued Parliament in October 2002 to hold general elections,

    and thus effectively put the constitutional review process on stop.

    2.2 A Constitutional Quest: The National Constitutional Conference (Bomas) 2003-2005

    In the area of constitutional reform, it will be remembered that the Judiciary itself was

    considered an obstacle to the realization of a new Constitution, when in 2002, a section

    of Judges sought judicial Review orders to stop the discussion and adoption of provisions

    relating to the Judiciary in the Draft Constitution, on the basis that the Judges would be

    adversely affected by the proposals. These Orders were granted. While the Judges application was not founded on a policy of the Judiciary, it reinforced public

    perceptions that the Judiciary was unable to facilitate political transformation through its

    role as a fair, impartial and effective arbiter in the process of constitution making. In

    addition, the process had not given the people their fundamental right to ratify the

    proposed constitution in a referendum.

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    A coalition of parties under the umbrella of the National Alliance Rainbow Coalition

    (NARC) Party was formed to contest the 2002 elections against the then ruling Kenya

    African National Union (KANU). In its campaign, NARC promised to deliver a new

    constitution for Kenya within one hundred (100) days. Once elected, NARC reconvened

    the National Constitutional Conference. The Conference produced a draft constitution

    referred to as the Bomas Draft Constitution. However, before the adoption of this draft at

    the National Constitutional Conference, political differences arose and a group of

    delegates walked out in disagreement about the position of the Prime Minister, amongst

    other matters. Nonetheless, the Conference adopted a draft constitution, called the

    Bomas Draft.

    Shortly thereafter, this a group of Kenyans led by Reverend Timothy Njoya commenced

    judicial proceedings to review the constitutionality of the constitutional review procedure

    as set out in the amended 1997 Review Act and the existing Constitution. Among other

    things, they argued that the Constitution permitted its amendment by Parliament but not

    its replacement and that the process denied the people of Kenya their sovereign right to

    approve a new constitution. In Timothy Njoya and others v- the Hon. Attorney-Generali the High Court held that for replacement of the Constitution, full participation of the

    people was required apparently through both a Constituent Assembly and a

    Referendum. It further held that not all the members of the National Constitutional

    Conference were directly elected and the MPs were not elected for the specific

    purpose of replacing the Constitution, the Conference was not a Constituent Assembly.

    2.3 The 2005 Referendum on a Proposed New Constitution in 2005

    After the collapse of the Bomas process, a Proposed New Constitution of Kenya (2005)

    (commonly known as the Wako Draft) was adopted by the National Assembly and

    presented to Kenyans in a referendum on 21 November 2005. It was rejected by 57% of

    the votes cast. The referendum became the perfect forum for the political elite to air

    long standing grievances. Each group resorted to distortion and incitement based on

    ethnicity and tribal affiliation, and raised hostility and animosity to levels that

    exacerbated the divides in Kenya. It was apparent that a process of reconciliation was

    needed but no efforts were made to institute a process of national healing. It laid the

    ground for the catastrophic 2007 elections.

    2.4 The Disputed Presidential Elections and the Electoral Crisis in 2007

    During the referendum, the campaign for a yes vote was characterized by the symbol of a banana and the campaign for a no vote was characterized by the symbol of an orange. The deep political divide that arose from Bomas and was manifest in the

    referendum led to the collapse of the NARC coalition after the referendum. The Oranges

    became organised under the umbrella of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM)

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    while the Bananas, what remained of NARC and other allied political parties, e.g., KANU,

    formed a loose coalition under the banner of the Party of National Unity (PNU). The

    general elections held on 27 December 2007 were heavily contested with the two main

    presidential candidates being the incumbent, His Excellency President Mwai Kibaki, and

    the Honourable Raila Odinga, MP.

    The final results were delayed and then announced amidst public tension and

    accusations that the delay was a sign that the Presidents party was attempting to rig the elections. Eventually the results were announced on 30 December 2007 and

    President Kibaki was sworn in for a second term. Violence erupted in different parts of the

    country and scenes of people killed, and property being destroyed, were projected by

    the national and international media. More than 1,300 people died and about 350 000

    people allegedly not indigenous to particular regions were displaced through forcible evictions or in fleeing the violence. The country was visibly torn apart and teetered on

    the brink of civil war.

    The African Union became the focal point for mediation efforts and the Panel of Eminent

    Persons led by the former United Nations Secretary General, Kofi Annan brokered a

    delicate agreement which was signed by His Excellency the President Mwai Kibaki and

    the Right Honourable Prime Minister Raila Odinga on 28 February 2008. This agreement

    resulted in the formation of a Coalition Government and effectively restored calm in the

    country. The agreement also laid the foundation for the formulation and implementation

    of constitutional and institutional reforms aimed at guaranteeing the political stability of

    Kenya in the long term. Four main agenda items for reform were identified by the Kenya

    National Dialogue and Reconciliation Team (KNDR):

    (1) Immediate action to stop violence and restore fundamental rights and liberties.

    (2) Immediate measures to address the humanitarian crisis, promote reconciliation,

    and healing.

    (3) How to overcome the political crisis.

    (4) Addressing long term issues, including constitutional, legal and institutional reforms,

    tackling youth unemployment, tackling poverty, inequality and regional

    development, imbalances, consolidating national unity and cohesion, and

    addressing impunity, transparency and accountability.

    3.0 JUDICIAL REFORMS IN THE COMMITTEE OF EXPERTS CONTEXT: 2008- 2010

    3.1 National Accord and Reconciliation Act 2008.

    Following the post-election crisis in 2007, judicial reform was identified as one of the areas

    of focus towards restoring the credibility, integrity and independence of public

    institutions in Kenya. Under Agenda Item IV of the Kenya National Dialogue and

    Reconciliation, the two Grand Coalition Government partners agreed to undertake

    comprehensive reform of the Constitution and key governance institutions including the

    Judiciary, as part of the long-term solutions to the crisis. Similarly, the Medium Term Plan

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    (2008- 2012) identifies judicial reform as an important aspect of the economic, social and

    political pillars of Vision 2030. To effect these reforms, the Government established a Task

    Force to examine and advise on the most effective and efficient ways of transforming

    the Judiciary.

    These circumstances also offered Kenya a constitutional moment, an opportunity to

    reinvigorate the stalled constitutional process. To that end, two key pieces of legislation

    were enacted in 2008: the Constitution of Kenya Review Act and the Constitution of

    Kenya (Amendment) Act. The purpose of the 2008 Review Act was to facilitate the completion of the review of the Constitution of Kenya. The Act set up the CoE as an organ of review with the mandate to identify and resolve outstanding issues before

    preparing a draft Constitution for adoption by Parliament and ratification in a national

    referendum. In addition to the CoE, three other organs of review were identified in

    Section 5 of the Act:

    (1) The PSC a 27 member, multi-party Parliamentary Committee; (2) The National Assembly (NA); and

    (3) The Referendum.

    The total membership of the CoE was 11. Six of the members were Kenyans chosen by

    the PSC and approved by Parliament; three were foreigners, chosen by the PSC from a

    list of five prepared by the Panel of Eminent African Persons and approved by the

    National Assembly. The additional two were the Director and the Attorney-General who

    were non-voting members. These organs were guided by principles laid out in section 6

    of the Review Act. Under these principles, the review organs were to ensure completion

    of the constitutional review process in a manner that ensures that the national interest

    prevails over regional or sectoral interests and an outcome satisfactory and

    accountable to the people of Kenya;

    In addition to the Review Act, other constitutional and legislative changes introduced as

    a result of the KNDR process influenced the course of the constitution making exercise.

    The Constitution of Kenya was amended to achieve four main things:

    (1) To entrench the political agreement reached by the KNDR team. The amendment

    authorized Parliament to enact legislation concerning the Coalition Government,

    and appointment and termination of the offices of the Prime Minister (PM), Deputy

    Prime Ministers and Ministers as well as to determine their functions. The new

    cabinet would consist of the President, the Vice-President, Prime Minister, two

    Deputy Prime Ministers and the other Ministers.

    (2) To establish a procedure for its replacement by a new constitution.

    (3) To establish the Interim Independent Constitutional Dispute Resolution Court which

    would shield the review process from the existing judiciary informed out of the

    experience when a section of the Judiciary in 2002 issued orders seeking to stop

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    the Bomas constitutional review process.

    (4) To establish a new Interim Independent Electoral Commission (IIEC) and an Interim

    Independent Boundaries Review Commission (IIBRC).

    The National Accord and Reconciliation Act (2008) (The National Accord) reinforced the

    constitutional amendment by giving effect to the agreement of the two Principals to

    establish a Coalition Government and foster national reconciliation. The provisions in the

    constitutional amendment that established a procedure for the replacement of the

    former constitution with a new one was of particular relevance to the review process.

    First, it contemplated comprehensive reforms the replacement of the Constitution and not mere amendment. Most importantly, the Act required a new constitution to be

    adopted by the people of Kenya in a referendum.

    In addition, the Interim Independent Constitutional Dispute Resolution Court was

    intended to protect the process from unfounded legal challenges and was granted

    exclusive original jurisdiction to hear and determine matters arising from the

    constitutional review process. (The Court made decisions that were vital to the success of

    the process when this was challenged before the referendum and promulgation of the

    new Constitution.) The function of the IIEC was to reform the electoral process and

    management of elections in order to institutionalize free and fair elections. Importantly

    this body was mandated to organise the constitutional referendum and it played a

    magnificent role to that end.

    The issue that arose in relation to the National Accord Act in the context of the

    constitutional review process was the terminal effect that a new constitution would have

    on the Act and the arrangements for a coalition government that it established. Under

    section 8, the Act would cease to apply upon dissolution of the tenth Parliament, if the

    Coalition was dissolved, or if a new constitution was enacted, depending on whichever

    was earlier. This showed that the coalition arrangement was transitional in nature and

    that a new constitutional settlement was necessary for longer term stability.

    3.2 Public Views on the Judiciary.

    Submissions to the CoE on the Judiciary were virtually unanimous on one point: the

    Judiciary had to be reformed. The CoE received a number of submissions on how that

    should have been done. Those submissions were classified into two groups:

    (1) Those that proposed that the entire Judiciary should be reappointed (with all

    judicial officers or at least all judges being treated as having lost their jobs but

    permitted to reapply); and

    (2) Those that proposed a more gentle approach - that judicial officers remain in

    office but are required to take a new oath and to undergo a vetting process.

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    The first question that the CoE had to consider in relation to the justice system was

    whether all judicial officers should be treated in the same way. Although equality of

    treatment is superficially attractive, the Committee decided that it was not practical and

    that judges and other judicial officers should be treated differently. This is because there

    were significant differences between judges and other judicial officers. The first

    difference was in their numbers. The Judiciary is relatively small making their

    reappointment or vetting under a strict timetable possible. The magistracy, on the other

    hand, is large. Reappointment or vetting would be a long and complicated process with

    severe implications for the operation of the subordinate courts unless it was handled very

    carefully.

    The second difference relates to the independence of the Judiciary. Although judicial

    independence was not expressly provided for in the Harmonised Draft Constitution, it

    was implied in a number of provisions. These provisions gave judges stronger protection

    than judicial officers serving in subordinate courts. For instance, magistrates can be

    removed from office by the Judicial Service Commission while a special procedure

    involving Parliament is required for the removal of a judge of the superior courts.

    Generally the initiation of a procedure to remove a judge should be a rare occurrence.

    It seemed appropriate to consider the appropriate procedure in relation to judges and

    other judicial officers separately and to ensure that all questions about judges were dealt

    with after enactment of the constitution.

    3.3 Harmonized Draft Constitution.

    The Committee in its Harmonized Draft Constitution sought to deal with judges and

    magistrates in different ways as explained below:

    3.3.1 Judges

    Informed by submissions, the weight of opinion at a technical consultation on the issue,

    the concerns of many of those directly involved in the justice system and its own

    understanding of the issue, the CoE decided that to retain the status quo and simply

    allow members of the judiciary to continue in office was not appropriate. In addition, on

    careful consideration of the options suggested in submissions, the CoE decided that

    wholesale reappointment of the judiciary was not appropriate. Instead, it decided that

    some form of vetting of the current judges should take place as was done in Bosnia-

    Herzegovina, East Germany, the Czech Republic and elsewhere in Eastern Europe and

    as proposed by the CKRC and Bomas Drafts.

    This approach is also similar to that proposed by the August 2009 report of the Task Force

    on Judicial Reforms. There had been calls for the total renewal of the judiciary. On this

    approach, all judges would lose office when the constitution comes into effect but, to

    ensure that the court system continues working, they would continue working in an

    acting capacity. A process would then be followed which allowed judges to reapply for

    positions on the bench. (Those that chose not to reapply would be provided with

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    suitable retirement benefits.) The process of reappointing judges would be done by the

    Judicial Service Commission at the same time as filling new positions in the judiciary.

    However, this approach would be disruptive, causing a sense of insecurity amongst

    judges.

    The alternative of vetting would achieve the same goal as renewal: judges with

    problematic records would not be able to remain on the bench. However, it would be

    less disruptive than a process requiring all judicial positions to be filled anew. On the

    vetting approach adopted in the Harmonized Draft Constitution, every judge would be given an opportunity to resign (with appropriate benefits). Those that remained in office

    would be vetted by an independent commission (the Interim Judicial Service Commission). The main aim of the process would be to ensure that any serious

    complaints against sitting judges were properly considered.

    If, on an initial review of the record of a judge, including any complaints against him or

    her, the Commission found that further investigation was warranted, the matter would be

    referred to the process established in the constitution for investigating complaints against

    judges. The Constitution would guide the process to be followed by the Commission, but

    the Commission would establish its own procedure and develop criteria for the process.

    Once cleared in the vetting process, the judge would continue in office and would be free to be considered for more senior judicial positions.

    3.3.2. Magistrates

    As noted above, the CoE did not think that the approach provided for judges should be

    applied to magistrates and other subordinate court judicial officers. The approach the

    CoE decided to take was that the newly composed Judicial Service Commission should

    have the authority to investigate complaints against them (whether the complaint arose

    before or after the new constitution came into effect) but that no special process should

    be adopted to vet every magistrate. This approach also reflected the fact that decisions

    of the subordinate courts are reviewable by higher courts and so these judicial officers

    are subject to control by judges of the superior courts. Nonetheless, the CoE recognised

    that most of the publics experiences of the justice system were at this level and therefore provided for the newly appointed JSC to recommend as to how concerns

    about efficiency and corruption could be addressed at the magistrates level.

    3.3.3 Transitional provisions on the Judiciary.

    Views about the transitional provisions with respect to the Judiciary manifested three

    trends:

    (1) First, there were views expressed that mistakenly claimed that the Judiciary was to

    resign in its entirety upon the promulgation of a new constitution. The Harmonized

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    Draft Constitution actually offered sitting judges who opt to do so the choice of

    resigning with benefits upon the promulgation of a new constitution. Those who

    chose to stay on would be vetted in a phased approach on the basis of clearly

    identified principles. Judges who were cleared by the Judges Review Commission

    would automatically continue to serve under the new Constitution. The provisions

    for a phased approach were to ensure that the provision of judicial services would

    not be disrupted.

    (2) Secondly, some argued that the transitional provisions pertaining to the Judiciary

    were unfair and suggested that existing judges should, upon the promulgation of a

    new constitution, be sworn into office under the new constitution and continue to

    serve without being subjected to any transitional process.

    (3) Finally, there were contrary views proposing that all the judges currently in office

    should be sent home to ensure a clean slate.

    The Judiciary is the third organ of government. Unlike some members of the executive

    and the members of the legislature, members of the Judiciary (i.e. judges) are not

    elected and enjoy security of tenure. While the provisions concerning elections would

    ensure that the constitutional office holders who belong to the other organs of

    government could be transited effectively through the electoral process, which will

    actually vet their suitability under the new constitution no such mechanism exists for judges and other appointive constitutional office holders.

    There was therefore also need for an appropriate transition mechanism for judges. The

    Final Reportii of the Constitution of Kenya Review Commission, stated that serious allegations were made against the Judiciary, including inefficiency, incompetence and

    corruption. Furthermore the need for Judicial Reform was identified as one of the long term issues causing conflict in Agenda Four of the Kenya National Dialogue and

    Reconciliation in February 2008. The Judiciary itself acknowledged the need for reform

    and established a Task force on Judicial Reform, the report of which was published in

    August 2009 and informed the CoEs proposals.

    Like all the other forms of institutional reform that have a constitutional dimension, judicial

    reform entailed structural reform as well as mechanisms that would enable and require

    individual officeholders to comply with the provisions for office within the new

    constitutional order. Given the publics expressed concerns about the poor state of the judicial system, there was need that these concerns be addressed in a way that restored

    public confidence in the administration of justice. Not providing for a transitional

    mechanism for the Judiciary would have further eroded the publics confidence in the justice system. Yet the means of restoring public confidence must also not undermine the

    Judiciary as an institution.

    The CoE considered the suggestion of the clean slate approach but were of the opinion that like the radical surgery it ran the risk of undermining the Judiciary and also would condemn wholesale all members of the Judiciary. The CoE held the view that the

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    vetting procedure allowed those members of the Judiciary who wanted to continue

    serving to be eligible for reappointment whilst those who preferred not to could choose

    the option of resigning with their appropriate benefits. The transitional provisions in the

    RHDC also provided that the processes for vetting be in keeping with international

    principles. Accordingly, the CoE retained the framework of the Harmonized Draft

    Constitution in the RHDC with some minor modifications to the detail.

    3.3.4 Chief Justice and Attorney General.

    From the on-set it is pertinent that any judicial reforms initiative would be impossible

    without a reform minded leadership both in the Judiciary and the policy wing of

    administration of justice as headed by the Attorney General. To this end the COE in its

    transitional provisions with respect to other appointive office holders such as the Chief

    Justice and Attorney-General provided that the officeholder(s) would cease to hold

    office within six months and a year respectively of the coming into effect of the new

    constitution. These two had been adversely mentioned as being too pro-establishment

    and provisions therein expressly provided that they would be ineligible for

    reappointment. The then Attorney General had been indicted by the UN Special

    Rapporteur Philip Alston's report on Extra-judicial Killings while the then Chief Justice had

    conducted the hurried and hushed swearing-in of President Kibaki at night in State

    House, Nairobi.

    3.4 Structure of the Judiciary.

    In its proposals the COE formulated constitutional provisionsiii that would establish a

    fundamental principle, namely that judicial authority is derived from the people. That

    authority would therefore essentially be exercised with the sole objective of fulfilling the

    aspirations of the People as espoused in the new Constitution. The constitutional

    provisions sought to create a basic architecture for judicial Transformation in granting the

    Judiciary independence by providing that it shall not be subject to the control or direction of any person or authority. In exchange for this constitutional guarantee of independence, the Constitution then prescribes clear principles that the Judiciary must

    adhere to in exercising judicial authority, namely:

    (a) The Judiciary must do justice to all irrespective of status;

    (b) The Judiciary must not delay justice; instead it must provide justice expeditiously;

    (c) The Judiciary must promote alternative forms of dispute resolution;

    (d) The Judiciary must administer justice without undue regard to procedural

    technicalities; and

    (e) The Judiciary must protect and promote the purpose and principles of the

    Constitution.

    The new Constitutional provisions sought to re-organize the leadership of the Judiciary in

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    a manner that is a significant departure from the previous Constitution. Whereas, under

    the previous Constitution, the Judiciary had monolithic leadership under the Chief

    Justice, who was a member of both the High Court and the Court of Appeal, the new

    Constitution confines the Chief Justice to the Supreme Court and does not give him a

    role in the affairs of the other tiers of the higher Judiciary, the High Court and the Court of

    Appeal. Instead, the Constitution mandates the election of the Principal Judge as the

    leader of the High Court and the President of the Court of Appeal, as the leader of that

    court.

    The Supreme Court would also be able to clarify and give authoritative text of

    indigenous jurisprudence. While these changes significantly reduce the powers of the

    Chief Justice, one of the complaints against this office under the former Constitution, it

    also creates problems of co-ordination between the courts, which will now act more

    autonomously that under the previous Constitution. The new Constitution while solving

    the problem of concentration of power in the Chief Justice creates the problem of the

    need for the courts to consider the co-ordination of their functions so that they do not

    end up undermining their collective mission. This is due to the specialized courts dealing

    with employment/ labour relations and Land/Environment all of which have been

    granted the constitutional status of the High Court.

    3.5 The Case for a Constitutional Court.

    In the Harmonised Draft, the CoE recommended that a Constitutional Court be

    established for the following reasons:

    (1) A court presided over by judges that have specialised in, or have experience in

    constitutional law and human rights, who would concentrate on matters or

    interpretation and implementation of the constitution would promote

    constitutionalism and the proper implementation of the Constitution.

    (2) It would permit the speedy determination of disputes arising out of presidential

    election.

    (3) It would ensure effective resolution of disputes between the national and

    devolved governments.

    (4) It would permit speedy and effective handling of disputes/appeals over elective

    and administrative boundaries.

    The recommendation for a specialised court was made against the background of the

    eroded confidence in the independence and integrity of the judiciary; the prevailing

    baggage of judicial practice that denied access to justice; and the introduction in the

    draft, of new provisions, including an expanded Bill of Rights whose interpretation

    necessitated a specialised court. However, the proposed Constitutional Court was

    deleted from the draft by the PSC. The CoE received memoranda concerning the

    chapter on the Judiciary that raised concerns about the need to clarify the role of the

    constitutional court relative to other courts. Some members of the public were of the

    view that a constitutional court was unnecessary and that the CoE had gone out of its

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    mandate by creating one in the Harmonized Draft Constitution.

    The CoE responded to these concerns by clarifying the role of the Constitutional Court.

    The CoEs constitutive Act, the Review Act, did require in section 4 that the provisions of the new constitution secure and ensure constitutionalism and the rule of law. Kenya has

    hitherto not had a strong culture of constitutionalism. This may have led to the views

    expressed by the people to the CKRC and contained in their report at page 209 where,

    in speaking to the issue of the structure of the courts, they are said to have expressed a need to establish a constitutional court. The Report of the CKRC was the statutory primary source document for the Harmonized Draft Constitution under section 29 of the

    Review Act. While some memoranda argued that a Division of the High Court, as is the

    current arrangement, could play the role of a Constitutional Court, the CoE found that

    this would not be adequate.

    Divisions of the courts are not established by the constitution and so could be abolished

    over time. The existing Division was also temporary and did not have judges who sat on it

    permanently. Nor is experience in constitutional law required for a judge to serve on the

    Division. But, the Harmonized Draft Constitution provided for a new and strengthened Bill

    of Rights as well as several new constitutional institutions, such as the devolved

    governments. There was therefore need for a permanent judicial mechanism that would

    enhance constitutional jurisprudence that promotes constitutionalism. The CoE was of

    the view, however, that there was need to further clarify the role of the Constitutional

    Court to ensure that there would not be conflicts between it and the other courts.

    3.6 Appointment, Discipline and Removal of Judges, other Judicial Officers and Staff

    To secure merit-based appointment of Judges, other judicial officers and staff and to

    promote high standards of conduct, discipline and performance in the Judiciary, the

    COE recommended that The Chief Justice, Deputy Chief Justice, Supreme Court and

    Court of Appeal Judges be appointed from among persons of high moral character,

    integrity, impartiality and intellectual competence as demonstrated by academic

    qualifications, and who possess a minimum of at least 15 years or an aggregate of 15

    years experience as a superior court Judge, distinguished academic, judicial officer or

    other relevant legal practice in the public, private or any other relevant legal sector. The

    Chief Justice and the Deputy Chief Justice be appointed by the President in

    accordance with the recommendation of the Judicial Service Commission, and subject

    to the approval of the National Assembly.

    The other Judges of the High Court and Court of Appeal would be appointed from

    among persons of high moral character, integrity, impartiality and intellectual

    competence as demonstrated by academic qualifications, and who possess a minimum

    of at least 10 years or an aggregate of 10 years experience as a distinguished

    academic, judicial officer or other relevant legal practice in the public, private or any

    other relevant legal sector. They would be appointed on the basis of a competitive

    process in which vacancies are advertised, interviews conducted, and effective vetting

  • 14

    undertaken by the JSC before names are presented to the President for appointment

    The Judges were exempted from Parliamentary scrutiny since the Judiciary were

    concerned it hamper their independence and such provisions that required they be

    vetted by Parliament on appointment would politicise the appointment process.

    The JSC be empowered to deal with disciplinary cases against Judges where the

    misconduct or misbehavior in question does not warrant removal. The JSC was to be

    mandated to consider and advise the President on the question of removal of Judges on

    the grounds of breach of the Judges Code of Conduct and Ethics, incompetence, mental or physical incapacity, bankruptcy, gross misconduct and misbehaviour. Judicial

    officers facing serious criminal charges were be suspended from duty pending the

    determination of cases against them. Comprehensive criteria for the recruitment of

    Judges, other judicial officers and staff be developed and adopted by the JSC to ensure

    standardization in the recruitment process.

    3.7 Kadhi's Courts.

    The CoE arrived at the decision that Kadhis Courts were not contentious, based on the directions laid down by the Review Act, in particular:

    (1) Views of Kenyans collected and collated by the CKRCiv: The Committees examination of these views revealed that Kenyans had indeed sought to have the

    Kadhis Courts provided for in Kenyas new constitutional dispensation. There was no indication of the contrary on this particular issue in the Commissions final Report.

    (2) Proceedings at the National Constitutional Conference: As required by the Review

    Act, the CoE went through the records of the proceedings of the National

    Constitutional Conference at Bomas. The delegates to the National Constitutional

    Conference voted in favour of the retention of the provisions pertinent to the

    Kadhis Courts.

    (3) Provisions of the past Draft Constitutions: The past draft constitutions all provided

    for Kadhis Courts, though with certain differences.

    (4) Views from the Kenyan public on what they considered contentious: As earlier

    pointed out, the Committee received over 12,000 memoranda from Kenyans on

    what they considered contentious. These memoranda did not show Kadhis Courts as contentious. Only a minority mentioned Kadhis courts as a contentious issue. Others supported their retention as it was in the former Constitution.

    Thus, the CoE could not identify Kadhis Courts as contentious. However, it noted its importance as a national socio-cultural issue that needed resolution amongst Kenyans.

    Beyond identifying contentious and non-contentious issues, within the framework of the

    current review process, the CoE was also mandated to provide recommendations on

  • 15

    diverse issues concerning the review process. On the issue of Kadhis Courts, the Committee proposed that the status quo be maintained, i.e., Kadhis Courts be entrenched in Kenyas new constitution in exactly the same format as in the independence Constitution. Before arriving at the position mentioned above, the CoE

    examined the following options:

    (a) Remove the Kadhis Courts from the Constitution Because, as outlined above, Kadhis courts were not a contentious issue, this was not a viable option. Moreover, the views received by the CoE that were opposed to the courts were from a

    minority. Moreover, the Kadhis Courts were not prejudicial to Kenyas judicial and legal system or to individuals.

    (b) Retain but enhance the structure of the courts as per the Bomas Draft. This option

    was also untenable because upon evaluation, the CoE was of the opinion that it

    would present an almost parallel judicial system for Muslims and other Kenyans

    who professed other faiths. Views presented to the Committee from Kenyans who

    spoke to the issue also suggested that their discomfort was not with the

    entrenchment, but the proposed enhancement of the courts.

    (c) Retain Kadhis Courts as religious courts as couched in the PNC. This proposal also could not stand because the PNC was rejected during the Referendum in

    November 2005. Moreover an examination of views from Kenyans presented to

    the CKRC did not reveal any call for religious courts.

    (d) Remove Kadhis Courts from the Constitution but propose to have them provided for in legislation. Provision of Kadhis Courts in legislation without entrenchment in the constitution was also considered. The CoE rejected this idea for various

    reasons. First, the entrenchment of Kadhis Courts in Kenyas Constitution has a history (outlined below) that informed the totality of the makeup of Kenyas territory since independence. Secondly, Muslims in Kenya comprise a minority

    reflected in Parliament. Therefore ordinary legislation would be vulnerable to

    repeal.

    (e) Maintain the status quo. The Committee considered this option and decided to

    follow it for the following main reasons:

    i) Kadhis Courts were in the former Constitution: Kadhis Courts were provided for in Kenyas former Constitution and their existence has neither threatened nor in any way negatively affected persons who profess other religions. Kadhis Courts handle Muslim personal law in situations where all the parties are Muslims.

    ii) The 10 mile Coastal Strip: Until independence, the 10 mile Coastal Strip which

    represents the current Coast Province was a protectorate under the British via an

    agreement with the Sultan of Zanzibar. In determining that although the Kadhis Courts

  • 16

    was a non-contentious issue within the purview of the Review Act, but was an issue of

    concern, the Committee took into account, in addition to the factors stipulated above,

    the special status of the Courts as part of the historical agreements underlying the

    constitutional settlement of Kenya. These agreements were incorporated into the

    Constitution at independence and could not be abrogated retrospectively by removing

    the Kadhis Courts from the Harmonized Draft Constitution.

    iii) Established expectations: The doctrine of legitimate expectation in law entitles

    individuals to continue to enjoy existing forms of protection. The protection accorded to

    Muslims by the Kadhis Courts under the Independence Constitution lay in providing a mechanism for settling disputes that are uniquely resolved on the basis of their personal

    law and faith.

    iv) Underlying principles of the civil courts in the judicial system: Leaving aside the

    Kadhis Courts, the existing judicial system operates on the basis of the Judeo-Christian philosophy implicit in the laws introduced when Kenya was a colony.

    v) Objects and Principles of the Review Process: In deciding that the Kadhis Courts should remain in the Constitution, the CoE was also guided the sections 4 and 6 of the

    Review Act. Of particularly importance among the objects and purposes of the review

    process set out in section 4 were paragraphs (a), (e), (h) and (k) which required the new

    constitutional to guarantee peace, respect diversity and strengthen national unity and,

    of the principles in section 6 of the Act, paragraphs (c), (d) and (e) which emphasise the

    need to accommodate diversity, respect human rights, and reflect the wishes of the

    people.

    3.8 Reconstitution of the Judicial Service Commission

    The RHDC made provision for a slightly more expanded Judicial Service Commission. The

    CoE seriously considered the merits and demerits of having the Chief Justice as a

    member of the JSC at all, and especially as the chairperson. The CoE chose to accept

    the PSC decision, despite misgivings. But, it also provided that appointment of two lay

    members of the JSC by the President should be subject to the approval of the National

    Assembly. The COE noted that several reports on judicial reforms, including those

    appointed by the Judiciary, had pointed out that the composition, functions and

    practices of the JSC did not satisfy international best practices and standards.

    Under the Constitution, the main function of the JSC is the appointment, discipline and

    removal of the Registrar or Deputy Registrar of the High Court, magistrates of subordinate

    courts, Kadhis and other court officials. In relation to Judges of the Court of Appeal and

    High Court, the JSC only advises the President on their appointment. In terms of the

    composition of the JSC, there was neither representation of the legal profession, the

    public nor court users. All the members of the JSC were direct presidential appointees,

    which reinforced a perception of lack of independence from the Executive.

  • 17

    The composition of the JSC is set out under Section 68(1) of the former Constitution of

    Kenya was as follows:

    i. The Chief Justice as chairman

    ii. The Attorney-General

    iii. Two persons who are for the time being designated by the President from among

    the puisne Judges of the High Court and the Judges of the Court of Appeal

    iv. The chairman of the Public Service Commission (PSC).

    The membership of the JSC was criticized for consisting only of persons appointed by the

    President and there was therefore the perception that the JSC was not sufficiently

    independent of the Executive. It was also said that the membership drew largely from

    the public sector, thereby locking out the potential contribution that other sections of

    society may bring into such a body. Finally, in comparison with the Commissions in the

    other branches of government, namely the Public Service Commission and the

    Parliamentary Service Commission, the JSC did not have a fully functioning support

    administration or full-time Secretariat, separate from the judicial administration.

    The Constitution does not provide for the position of a secretary to the Commission.

    However, section 3(1) of the Service Commissions Act (Cap 185 Laws of Kenya) provides

    for a secretary to the Commission. Initially, this role was played by the personal secretary

    to the Chief Justice but with increasing institutionalization and complexity of the agenda

    of the JSC, this role was naturally vested in the Registrar of the High Court. The Secretariat

    functions of the JSC are performed by the Registrar instead of a Secretariat as envisaged

    in the Service Commissions Act. Therefore, there was lack of a clear separation between

    the operational or administrative arm of the Judiciary headed by the Registrar and the

    policy making body for the Judiciary, namely the JSC. To enhance the independence,

    operational autonomy, efficiency and effectiveness in the governance and

    management of the Judiciary, COE recommended that:

    (1) The JSC be restructured and expanded to include additional representation from

    the Supreme Court, the statutory body responsible for the professional regulation

    of advocates, the association of Judges and magistrates and the public. The

    constitution was clear that these representatives would have to be elected by their

    various nominating bodies to satisfy the demand for popular mandate.

    (2) An independent Secretariat of the JSC headed by a Registrar be established to

    support the Commissions functions.

    (3) The functions of the JSC be expanded to include performance management and

    enhancement, discipline of judicial officers including Judges, receipt and review

    of complaints against judicial officers and advising the Government on ways of

    improving the administration of justice.

  • 18

    3.9 Revised Harmonized Draft Constitution.

    The PSC made five fundamental alterations to the chapter on the Judiciary. These were:

    (a) Removal of the provisions for the Constitutional Court;

    (b) Provision for the Chief Justice to be a member and Chairperson of the Judicial

    Service Commission (JSC);

    (c) Removal of all references to vetting or transitioning of the Chief Justice and

    Judiciary;

    (d) Subjecting the appointments of all judges to parliamentary approval; and

    (e) Removal of provisions for the establishment of specialized courts on employment,

    and land and the environment.

    In the end, the CoE largely adopted the recommendations of the PSC except where, for

    technical or other reasons stated below, it decided this would not further the interests of

    justice. On judicial authority, the CoE reinstated reference to derivation of judicial

    authority from the people consistent with provisions in the Chapters on the Executive and

    Legislature. This provision is also consistent with the provisions stating that state and public

    officials provide a service to the people: the public are not merely consumers of justice,

    but are also be treated justly, reasonably and without bias. The CoE also reinstated

    paragraphs deleted by the PSC from Article 191(3), which expressly subjected all courts

    and dispute resolution mechanisms to the Constitution and Bill of Rights.

    On the Offices of Chief Justice and Deputy Chief Justice, the PSC recommended

    reinstating the Chief Justice as the chair of the JSC. CoEs initial position was that it was important to keep the Chief Justice out of the JSC if the latter institution was to be

    independent and effective. However, the CoE accepted the PSCs reinstatement of the Chief Justice in the JSC. Consequently, the need for a Deputy Chief Justice became self

    evident. The JSC established in the Proposed Constitution is an active and busy

    commission. If the Chief Justice were to chair it, he or she would have to have a deputy

    in the courts or at the JSC and for other administrative functions. The Deputy Chief

    Justice would also double as the Vice-President of the Supreme Court and as the person

    to swear in the President if the Chief Justice is not available.

    Additionally, the RHDC had reserved the roles of implementing continuous education and training of judicial officers and advising national government on improving efficiency of the judiciary for the Chief Justice when the office was not part of the JSC. As the Chief Justice was now chair of the JSC, the CoE made these functions the

    responsibility of the JSC in the Proposed Constitution. On System of Courts, the CoE

    agreed to delete references to the Constitutional Court in the Proposed Constitution

    following the recommendations of the PSC. However, it did not support the PSCs recommendation that the specialised courts on employment and land and the

    environment be removed and replaced with a broad grant of authority of Parliament to

    establish other courts with such jurisdiction, functions and status as Parliament may determine.

  • 19

    First, such provisions would give Parliament a blank cheque to establish courts whose

    level and jurisdiction might supplant the superior courts established in the Constitution.

    Further, this would not signal establishment of specialized courts on employment and

    land/environment, and would not solve the competing jurisdictional issues that have

    historically existed between the High Court and the Industrial Court. Thus, the CoE

    reinstated the provision allowing Parliament to establish, by legislation, employment and

    land/environment courts with a status equivalent to the High Court as had been

    provided for in the earlier drafts. The PSC retained the new Supreme Court and its

    jurisdiction but its recommendation concerning the composition of the Court resulted in

    a total of eight judges on the bench.

    The CoE reformulated this to avoid an even number. Thus, the Court would now

    comprise the Chief Justice, the Deputy Chief Justice, and five other judges, totalling

    seven. In respect of the Court of Appeal and the High Court, the PSC agreed with the

    RHDC provisions for a President and Principal Judge respectively, but suggested that he

    or she be the most senior judge. On consideration the CoE amended this so that the

    President and Principal Judge would be elected by their peers. Seniority may be easy to

    implement, but may not achieve gender and other diversity requirements, or ensure the

    most qualified, efficient or respected person gets to lead his/her peers. The CoE

    therefore reverted to the mode of election to ensure respect, accountability and

    efficiency of holders of this important office.

    With respect to the High Court, the PSC retained that Courts fundamental structure and functions. It also anticipated this Court assuming the functions of the Constitutional Court.

    However, the PSC Draft did not transfer the functions of the Constitutional Court fully. The

    CoE rectified this by providing for jurisdiction respecting interpretation of the new

    constitution, including unconstitutionality of any action taken under the constitution;

    differences over the powers and function of national and county government and

    between counties inter se; disputes between state organs; and questions of conflict of

    laws. The CoE also made provision for constituting a bench of multiple judges for matters

    raising substantial matters of a constitutional nature.

    However, it was noted by the CoE that the removal of the provisions for a Constitutional

    Court inhibited the development of a pool of judges specialised in constitutional matters.

    It was particularly concerned that the High Court would not be well suited to exercise

    the full mandate initially accorded to the Constitutional Court. Appointments of Chief

    Justice, Deputy Chief Justice and other Judges. Concern that the appointment of judges

    should be protected from political pressures led the CoE to remove the requirement of

    parliamentary approval for all judicial appointments other than those of Chief Justice

    and Deputy Chief Justice when it prepared the RHDC. This was changed by PSC to

    make all appointments of judges subject to approval by Parliament. After lengthy

    deliberations and especially noting the role of the Chief Justice in the JSC, the CoE

    agreed to retain the requirement of parliamentary approval for the appointment of the

    Chief Justice and the Deputy Chief Justice.

  • 20

    However, the CoE was not satisfied that there were sufficient safeguards in the

    parliamentary process to shield other judicial appointees from political negotiation and

    political horse trading. The CoE settled for a competitive and transparent appointment

    process conducted by the JSC, and for the President to appoint the other judges on the

    JSCs recommendation. In the same vein, the CoE restored the involvement of three judges from the Commonwealth to be involved in the removal of the Chief Justice from office. As formulated by PSC, three sitting judges would determine if their boss was fit to continue to hold office.

    This state of affairs would be vulnerable to perceptions of subjectivity and victimisation.

    On the Judiciary Fund, amendments proposed by the PSC did not significantly alter the

    Judiciary Fund. However, in introducing new provisions on the JSC, the PSC inadvertently

    removed the Chief Registrar, as the Accounting Officer of the Judiciary, and inserted the

    JSC in that role. Clearly, PSC could not have intended this in light of having retained

    Article 146(3). The formulation was adjusted accordingly, and the regulation of finances

    of the Judiciary accorded the same stature, sanctity and prescience as the budget of

    Parliament.

    4.0 VETTING AS A CRITICAL TOOL OF JUDICIAL REFORMS: KENYAN EXPERIENCE.

    Kenyas Vetting of Judges and Magistrates Act, 2011, brings into force the constitutional provision on judicial vetting by establishing a one-year review mechanism that applies to

    all judicial officers, except new applicants who are subject to public interviews by the

    Judicial Service Commission (JSC). All judicial officers serving at the time of the

    promulgation of the new constitution, i.e. 27th August 2010, will be vetted. Any judicial

    official not willing to go through the process have only one option available to them- to

    take an early retirement plus retirement benefits. In August 2011, the President appointed

    a nine-member Vetting Board, which is made up of a chairperson and five other Kenyan

    and three foreign nationals appointed from the Commonwealth with backgrounds in

    judicial practice and other discipline.

    The framework for the Rules of Procedure of the Vetting Board is provided in section 33(2)

    (b) and (c) of the Vetting of Judges and Magistrates Act, 2011 which is further buttressed

    by regulations made under the Act. The Vetting does not in any way undermine judicial

    independence since section 23 of the Sixth Schedule Constitution of Kenya specifically

    provides that vetting would operate as a transitional reform measure despite the

    provisions guaranteeing judicial independence. Those found unsuitable as per an

    objective criteria would be discharged from judicial service.

    4.1 The Reality of Vetting.

    The Vetting Board has so far made precedent setting determinations on the suitability of

    several Superior court judges on whether they should continue serving or quit judicial

    service altogether. Some of the Vetting sessions have been held in public on the request

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    of the particular judges being vetted. Four Court of Appeal Judges were found to be

    unsuitable to continue serving in the newly reformed judiciary as indicated below:

    JUDGE REASONS FOR UNSUITABILITY

    1 Justice Samuel Bosire Failed to summoned ex-President to testify in

    a judicial commission of inquiry on loss of

    State funds.

    2 Justice Habel Nyamu Acted corruptly in a land transaction when

    he was an advocate. Gave pro-

    government judgments

    3 Justice Riaga Omollo Was pro-establishment and insensitive to

    litigants.

    4 Justice Emmauel Okubasu Giving Ruling which favoured the

    government

    Additionally, the following judges of the superior courts have also been dismissed for the

    reasons given:

    JUDGE REASONS FOR UNSUITABILITY

    1 Justice Mohamed Ibrahim ( Supreme

    Court)

    Failed to deliver judgments on time. Delays

    of upto four (4) years pending judgments.

    2 Lady Justice Jeane Gacheche ( High

    Court)

    Misused her judicial power to issue blanket

    orders to insurance companies to

    detriment of claimants.

    3 Lady Justice Rosemary Nambuye

    ( Court of Appeal)

    Lacked court management skills and

    delayed judgments for long periods.

    4.2 Effects of a Reformed Judiciary.

    The trickle down effect of the reforms initiated by the Judiciary were bolstered by the

    appointment of DR. Willy Mutunga, a veteran crusader for human rights and former

    political detainee, as Chief Justice. The President had initially attempted to unilaterally

    appoint a new Chief Justice without the requisite consultation with the Prime Minister as

    well as on the advice and recommendation of the Judicial Service Commission. The

    appointment, as well as those of the Attorney General and Controller of Budget were

    rejected by a cross-section of stakeholders and subsequently declared unconstitutional

    by the High Court. The President thereafter withdrew the nominations and remitted to the

    JSC the task of competitively selecting a Chief Justice. This enhanced public confidence

    in the judiciary to high levels.

  • 22

    Certain administrative and institutional reforms have been initiated by the Chief Justice

    such as reduction in formalities in terms of dressing and formal court addresses, simplified

    procedures to access courts, customer oriented service charter, sensitive and friendly

    court staff and a responsive judicial service. The newly re-constituted JSC has become a

    significant player in co-ordinating the functions of the Judiciary, because it is the one

    organ where the leaderships of the various tiers of the judiciary is represented. So far, the

    expanded JSC has been assertive, a departure from the JSC under the previous

    constitution, and, for example, contributed to the resolution of the crisis that resulted

    from the attempted nomination of Justice Visram to the office of Chief Justice.

    The JSC rejected the action by the President as irregular, agreeing with a number of

    other public officials who had taken this position in relation to the controversial

    nomination. The JSC was notable not only because of the decisions made so far but also

    because of the transparent process through which it has reached those decisions. Unlike

    its predecessor, the expanded JSC appears to have embraced public communication

    as part of its way of work. According to a recent public perception baseline survey of the

    Judiciary conducted by Infotrak Research and Consulting in conjunction with the

    Kenyan Section of the International Commission of Jurists, the Judiciary enjoys enormous

    public confidence. Courts have greatly enhanced efficiency in their work systems

    through reduction of technicalities and preference for substantive justice. Judicial

    officers serving have more reason to performance well.

    A major benefit of the reformed judiciary has been an emerging activist jurisprudence as

    evidenced by the bold court decisions which have annulled Presidential appointments.

    In Civil Society Vs AG the High Court declared unconstitutional the President's purported

    unilateral appointment of a new Chief Justice, Attorney General and Controller of

    Budget. In ICPC & Ors Vs AG the High Court declared unconstitutional the President's

    appointment of County Commissioners for breaching the mandatory requirement on

    gender and consultation. In ICJ Vs AG the High Court issued an arrest warrant against

    the President of Sudan on account of war crimes under the International Criminal Court

    system.

    4.3 Integrity and Responsiveness of Judicial Reforms.

    The integrity bar of public conduct within judicial service has been raised to a new level

    taking into consideration the saga surrounding the Deputy Chief Justice Nancy Baraza.

    During a shopping trip at a city mall she allegedly by-passed a security personnel

    conducting body screening. The security guard who had recognized the Deputy Chief

    Justice pursued her and insisted on conducting the body search. Whereupon an

    altercation erupted resulting into the DCJ confronting and threatening to shoot the

    guard with a gun. The further pinched her nose. Their was a public outcry after the saga

    was reported in the media. The JSC called for an emergency session where it ordered for

  • 23

    speedy investigations. The DCJ recorded a statement with the police. Upon a report

    being made to JSC it recommended to the President for a tribunal to be set up to

    investigate the conduct of the DCJ. The tribunal was set up and Chaired by Justice

    Augustino Ramadhan, former Tanzanian Chief Justice. It made a report to the President

    with a finding that the DCJ was unfit to hold office on account of gross misconduct. An

    appeal currently lies with the Supreme Court.

    5.0 CONCLUSION.

    It is therefore imperative that a meaningful constitutional review process must take into

    account judicial reforms. The Constitution, 2010 lays the foundation for the

    transformation not only of the Judiciary but also of the Kenyan society as a whole. This is

    through the normative values and principles that have been adopted and enshrined in

    it. For the first time all facets of public and private life are governed by national principles

    and values that are founded on human dignity, equality and the rule of law. Legislation

    has been, and continues to be, enacted to further elaborate and actualize these

    constitutional values and principles. In addition, a new team that has undergone

    thorough public vetting has assumed leadership of the Judiciary. This leadership has

    embraced changed management approaches and embarked on building institutional

    delivery mechanisms to fulfill the Judiciarys mandate. It is also significant that the mandate of the Judiciary has been expanded by strategically placing it at the helm of

    the National Council on the Administration of Justice (NCAJ).

    i Miscellaneous Civil Application No 82 of 2004. ii 10 February, 2005 Page 210 iii Article 159 iv The Final Report of the Constitution of Kenya Review Commission, p 210

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    THANK YOU