The Judiciary has appealed to the National Assembly for additional funding to strengthen its preparedness for the 2027 General Election, citing the need for adequate resources to handle election petitions, logistical demands and emerging technological challenges. Chief Justice Martha Koome said the Judiciary had initiated a training programme targeting more than 400 judges to equip them with the necessary skills and knowledge to resolve election-related disputes effectively.
With barely 10 months remaining before the next General Election, the Judiciary says sufficient financial support will be essential to ensure courts are ready to handle disputes that may arise before, during and after the polls. Koome explained that election petition proceedings often require judges and magistrates to travel between different parts of the country, making adequate budgetary allocations necessary for transportation and other logistical arrangements.
She noted that a judicial officer handling election petitions in Mombasa, for instance, could be required to sit in Busia, depending on the cases and the deployment arrangements. The Chief Justice said the Judiciary had formally written to the National Assembly outlining its funding concerns and requesting additional resources to support its election preparedness programme.
Court of Appeal Judge Daniel Musinga expressed hope that Parliament would allocate sufficient funds to facilitate the preparations, noting that election petition proceedings require substantial financial resources. Justice Mohamed Warsame said the training programme would also help judicial officers assess their previous experiences, identify weaknesses and strengthen their ability to handle election-related cases during the 2027 electoral period.
Warsame emphasised the importance of improving judicial skills, experience and knowledge to ensure the courts are adequately prepared to manage disputes arising from the electoral process. Beyond financial constraints, Koome raised concerns over the resurgence of political goon culture, warning politicians against using intimidation and violence to silence their opponents. She urged political leaders and relevant authorities to remain vigilant and ensure that candidates and their supporters can express themselves freely without fear of intimidation.
The Chief Justice stressed that political competition should not be accompanied by violence, calling for measures that would protect the integrity of the electoral process and promote peaceful campaigns. The Judiciary is also seeking to improve its institutional capacity through effective case management and better preparedness for technological challenges that could emerge in election-related litigation. The preparations are aimed at ensuring that election petitions are handled efficiently and fairly, reinforcing public confidence in the courts and supporting the conduct of a free, fair and credible 2027 General Election.
