Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi has defended increased government funding for the Judiciary as he revealed that the government has secured over Sh20 billion to renovate courts and improve working conditions for judges across the country.
According to Mbadi, the government is committed to strengthening the Judiciary through increased budgetary support and infrastructure upgrades.
He disclosed that the Treasury had already negotiated a financing arrangement with the World Bank to support major rehabilitation works within the Judiciary, beginning with the Supreme Court.
“We have done a lot for the Judiciary, by the way. We have increased their budget, and even I have already negotiated with them and the World Bank to give us a lot of money, over Sh20 billion, to renovate courts,” Mbadi said.
Speaking during a public engagement forum with Bunge La Mwananchi at Jeevanjee Gardens, Mbadi painted a grim picture of the current state of some judicial facilities, saying even Supreme Court judges face poor working conditions.
“We are starting with the Supreme Court. Our judges have no toilets; they have to look for toilets anywhere, everywhere. That is the truth. Imagine judges of the Supreme Court,” he said.
The CS further stated that the government is prioritising the improvement of the Court of Appeal and tribunals, many of which currently operate without proper court facilities.
“Court of Appeal, we are also working to make sure it is improved. And finally, there are tribunals which don’t even have courts, so we are going to revamp the Judiciary,” he stated.
The CS revealed that his ministry had held two separate meetings with Chief Justice Martha Koome and senior Judiciary officials during the budget-making process to align funding priorities.
“We have had two meetings with the Chief Justice and the Judiciary team, probably the first minister to hold meetings with the Chief Justice twice before we did the budget, and they are happy,” Mbadi said.
His remarks come amid ongoing debate over budget allocations in the 2026/2027 financial year, with some Kenyans questioning increased expenditure in certain sectors despite economic challenges and pressure on public finances.
Mbadi also defended increased funding for sports, arguing that the sector has immense potential to create opportunities for young people and boost Kenya’s global profile if resources are properly managed.
“I agree that sports need support, but again, we are not only increasing money to sports, we are also looking at how the money that goes to sports is prudently used,” he said.
The CS questioned how previous allocations to the sports sector had been utilised, noting that despite years of funding, there was little visible progress in some areas.
“I don’t know how many of you are aware that we have had this sports fund for so many years, and there is nothing to show for it,” he remarked.
Mbadi insisted that the government’s broader goal is to ensure public resources are used effectively while addressing critical gaps in institutions such as the Judiciary, which he said remains central to justice delivery and constitutional governance.
The Bunge La Mwananchi forum attracted residents, activists and civil society representatives, with discussions focusing on the economy, public spending and the Finance Bill, 2026.
