By Nuru Salim
The Judiciary has intensified efforts to bridge the gap between the justice system and the public by educating citizens on legal processes, access to justice, and service provision. Through an initiative called Bonga na Judiciary, Msambweni Law Courts hosted an interactive forum in Kinondo, bringing together legal experts, law enforcement officers, and community members to foster trust and transparency in the justice system.
The event, organized in partnership with Youth for Sustainable World (YSW), a community-focused organization that empowers young people, aimed to clarify the justice system by addressing public concerns and clarifying legal procedures.
Representatives from the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP), National Police Service (NPS), Prisons Department, Probation Office, and the Directorate of Children’s Services (DCS) were present to explain their roles and responsibilities in law enforcement and judicial processes.
Msambweni Law Courts Administrator Robert Kioko addressed one of the most pressing issues in Kenya’s judiciary concerning case backlogs. He acknowledged that delays in handling cases have long plagued courts across the country but assured residents that the Msambweni Judiciary is taking proactive measures to tackle the problem.
“Case backlogs have been a major challenge, but we have adopted various strategies to minimize adjournments and ensure cases do not drag on unnecessarily,” Kioko stated.
He outlined approaches such as Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR), plea bargaining, and case diversion, where disputes are referred back to the involved parties for resolution under court supervision. These measures, he said, have significantly helped reduce unnecessary congestion in the court system.
Another issue raised was court fees, which many residents see as a barrier to accessing justice. Kioko explained that while most court fees apply to civil cases, the charges remain standardized across the board.
For those unable to afford legal costs, he reassured them that they are often referred to pro bono advocates or legal aid organizations, which assist individuals in presenting their cases.
Kioko further emphasized that the Judiciary remains an independent institution, free from political or governmental influence. He stated that Msambweni Law Courts has fought external interference to uphold fairness and transparency in its rulings.
“As an independent body, we operate under our own supervision, ensuring that justice is delivered without bias or external influence,” he affirmed.
Public trust in the judiciary has been another long-standing issue, with many citizens expressing skepticism about the courts’ ability to deliver fair rulings. Addressing these concerns, Kioko said that Msambweni Judiciary has been actively working to build public confidence through community engagement.
“We have held various public participation forums where we educate people on their rights, legal processes, and the importance of trusting the judiciary. Our court has ensured fairness as a way to proper service delivery,” he said.
To ensure access to justice, particularly for those in remote areas, Kioko revealed that the judiciary conducts legal outreach programs, where judicial officers visit interior villages in Msambweni and other parts of Kwale County at least twice every three months.
These forums allow residents who cannot physically access the courts due to financial or social constraints to present their cases and seek legal guidance.
Mombasa-based Judge Leah also addressed the gathering, reinforcing the Judiciary’s commitment to public legal education. She noted that Chief Justice Martha Koome had issued a directive for courts to increase efforts in educating citizens about their legal rights and judicial procedures.
“People should not fear coming to court. They need to understand how the system works and their role in seeking justice,” she stated.
Community leaders and residents welcomed the initiative, expressing optimism that it would help reshape the public’s perception of the judiciary. Mejumaa Kibwana, a resident of Kinondo, applauded the move, saying it would empower citizens with knowledge and encourage them to engage with the justice system more confidently.
“This is a great step forward. Many people do not understand how the courts work, and this education will help bridge that gap,” she said.
Echoing similar sentiments, Saidi Baku, the senior chairman in Kinondo, praised the Judiciary for prioritizing civic education. He pledged to extend the initiative through public barazas, ensuring that more community members receive legal knowledge.
“This program is important for our people. We will continue sharing this information through local forums so that no one is left behind,” he stated.
A live play was staged during the event, demonstrating a typical case’s journey through the justice system, from the moment a complaint is reported to the police, through prosecution, hearings, and final judgment.
The reenactment was aimed at simplifying legal processes for the public, illustrating the responsibilities of different judicial offices, and reinforcing the message that justice is a structured and impartial process.
