Jomvu MP Badi Twalib has called on the National Assembly’s Budget and Appropriations Committee to raise the Judiciary’s budget beyond the proposed Sh27.8 billion in the 2025-2026 financial year.
He cited
concerns over persistent underfunding and its impact on the delivery of justice.
Although the current allocation marks an increase from last year’s Sh24.7 billion, Twalib said the Judiciary still falls short of the recommended budgetary threshold.
The 2023-2024 State of the Judiciary Report shows that for three consecutive years, the arm of government has received less than 0.92 per cent of the national budget, far below the three per cent benchmark.
“This consistent underfunding has hindered the Judiciary’s efficiency, financial independence, and ability to operate autonomously,” the report says.
Twalib spoke in Mombasa during a condolence visit to Judiciary staff following the death of Chief Kadhi Abdulhalim Hussein.
He noted the high number of citizens seeking justice at both the Kadhi’s court and Mombasa law courts.
“From Mombasa to Kisumu, Nairobi to Nakuru, court backlogs are a reality. We need to increase funding if we want timely and fair justice,” Twalib said.
He urged the budget committee, chaired by Alego Usonga MP Samuel Atandi, to take urgent action.
He warned that neglecting the Judiciary’s funding needs could lead to compromised service delivery and rising corruption, adding that even basic court operations like tea and water provision are being affected by budget cuts.
Twalib applauded Chief Justice Martha Koome for steering the Judiciary through tough financial times while continuing reforms and supporting Islamic law services.
He also praised Raila Odinga for his role in supporting the Kadhi’s courts in the 2010 constitution, despite earlier opposition.
“The Judiciary deserves the same level of support as other arms of government. How can we renovate offices elsewhere and leave our justice system struggling?” he posed.
