Nairobi is the focal point for East Africa's judiciary this week, as top legal minds converge for a high-stakes conference aimed at reshaping the delivery of justice across the region.

The annual East Africa Magistrates and Judges Association (EAMJA) conference tackles a critical question for the average Kenyan: how to make the justice system faster, fairer, and more accessible. With President William Ruto expected to deliver the opening address, the summit seeks to find real-world solutions to issues like crippling case backlogs and the high cost of legal battles that often put justice out of reach for many.

Justice Beyond the Courtroom

Convened under the theme “Justice Beyond Brick and Mortar,” the conference will champion a multi-door approach to justice. This concept moves beyond traditional courtrooms to embrace alternative dispute resolution methods, including mediation and conciliation, which are central to Kenya's own 'Social Transformation through Access to Justice' (STAJ) blueprint. The goal is to empower citizens and reduce the immense pressure on the formal court system.

The gathering brings together judicial officers from the member associations of Kenya (KMJA), Uganda (UJOA), and Tanzania (JMAT). Formed in 2001, EAMJA was created to build a fraternity of judicial officers, harmonize legal practices, and protect the independence of the judiciary in East Africa.

Tackling Regional Challenges

Judiciaries across East Africa face significant hurdles that undermine public trust and efficiency. These challenges, likely to be central to the week's discussions, include:

• Political Pressure: Interference from the executive and other political actors remains a persistent threat to judicial independence.
• Corruption: Bribery and other forms of corruption can erode the rule of law and deny citizens fair outcomes.
• Resource Constraints: Regional judicial bodies, including the East African Court of Justice, have previously faced financial crises that hamper their operations.
• Enforcement of Orders: Disobedience of court orders by state actors is a common problem that weakens the authority of the courts.

The conference is expected to explore how technology, stronger cross-border cooperation, and a renewed focus on ethics can mitigate these deep-seated problems. By focusing on a people-centered model, the region's top judges hope to build a justice system that not only resolves disputes but actively contributes to social and economic development.

The outcomes of this week’s deliberations could set a new precedent for how justice is administered for millions, moving the courts from intimidating institutions to accessible forums for all.