The Chief Registrar of the Judiciary, Winfridah Mokaya has called for the professionalization and standardization of court administration, saying access to justice is ultimately determined at the court registry.
Ms Mokaya emphasized that Kenyans seeking justice experience the Judiciary first through the registry, where timely, respectable and predictable service must be guaranteed, warning that delays in service amount to denial of justice.
The Chief Registrar urged court administrators to lead responsive, compliant and accountable operations, anchored on strong registry performance and guided by the Registry Manual, service charters and clean audit trails. She noted that predictable and respectful service delivery reduces opportunities for “facilitation” and corruption, while strengthening public confidence in the Judiciary.
“Professional and standardized registries are central to restoring trust and ensuring justice is not only done, but seen to be done,” she said.
She further underscored the importance of staff welfare under the Sustaining Judiciary Transformation (STAJ) blueprint, noting that institutional reform can only succeed through a motivated and resilient workforce.
“These initiatives are about building a Judiciary that can sustain high performance and deliver on the STAJ agenda,” she noted of initiatives such as revival of Sports Day and increased focus on staff mental wellness.
The staff were also encouraged to view transfers as normal and necessary administrative human resource practice aimed at promoting equity and efficient service delivery, not as punishment, saying any concerns should be addressed in line with the Transfer Guidelines.
She spoke during the 3rd Court Administrators’ Forum, attended by court administrators from across the country and which reflected on reforms, service delivery, and the registries’ role in enhancing access to justice.
