Deputy President Kithure Kindiki on Tuesday delivered a sharp ultimatum to judges and magistrates from across East Africa, challenging them to accelerate the delivery of justice as a critical driver for the region's socio-economic revival.

Speaking at the 22nd East African Magistrates and Judges Association (EAMJA) Annual Conference in Nairobi, Kindiki argued that slow, inaccessible, and intimidating courts are not just a legal problem, but a direct threat to development. He warned that when business disputes languish for years and family matters remain unresolved, the promise of the rule of law becomes hollow, stalling investment, widening inequality, and preventing citizens from improving their livelihoods.

Beyond the Courtroom Walls

The Deputy President stressed that for millions of Kenyans—especially women, young entrepreneurs, and rural communities—the formal justice system feels more like a fortress than a refuge. This sentiment is backed by a 2017 Judiciary survey which found that only 10% of Kenyans with legal problems turn to the formal courts for solutions. The crippling backlog of cases, particularly in Magistrates' Courts which handle about 73% of pending cases, remains a monumental challenge.

To dismantle these barriers, Prof. Kindiki championed a move towards what the conference themed "Justice Beyond Brick and Mortar." He urged the judiciary to embrace more creative and flexible pathways to justice that meet people where they are. These include:

• Alternative Justice Systems (AJS): These community-based mechanisms, rooted in traditional practices of reconciliation, are already used by a majority of Kenyans seeking justice.
• Court-Annexed Mediation (CAM): This initiative has shown remarkable success, unlocking approximately KES 52.2 billion for the economy by resolving disputes out of court. The programme now operates in 40 counties with over 1,500 accredited mediators.
• Small Claims Courts: These are designed to resolve minor civil and commercial disputes quickly and affordably, offering a lifeline to small businesses.

The Economic Cost of Delay

Kindiki's call connects directly to the daily struggles of Kenyans. When a small business owner cannot enforce a contract or a farmer is locked in a land dispute, their economic activity grinds to a halt. These delays have a ripple effect, discouraging investment and weakening the rule of law. Chief Justice Martha Koome has previously acknowledged the severe impact of case backlogs, linking them to persistent underfunding and a shortage of judicial officers.

The push for alternative dispute resolution is already yielding tangible results. In the last year, Court-Annexed Mediation resolved over 16,770 cases, with matters in the employment sector being settled in an average of just 36 days. This demonstrates a viable path to not only clear court backlogs but also inject billions of shillings back into the local economy.

"Justice cannot be confined to stone buildings or rigid procedures," Kindiki emphasized. He concluded by assuring the regional delegates that Kenya is committed to building a judicial system that listens to its citizens and delivers justice fairly and swiftly, ensuring that the courts function as doorways to opportunity, not barriers to progress.