DCJ Mwilu urges judges to engage stakeholders to foster administration of justice
NEWS RELEASE. DCJ Mwilu urges judges to engage stakeholders to foster administration of justice
NAIROBI, December 11, 2024 – Properly convened and executed forums that provide an avenue for discussions, consultation, reflection, critique and stakeholder engagement are critical to enhance the capacity and ability of judges and judicial officers to administer justice.
Speaking at the close of the inaugural two-day High Court Human Rights Summit in Nairobi, Deputy Chief Justice Philomena Mwilu said that in order to effectively protect and promote human rights, it is essential to cultivate open dialogue and information sharing among judges and other justice stakeholders.
“The people-centred justice approach under our institutional blueprint, Social Transformation through Access to Justice (STAJ) emphasises the role of a judge beyond that of being merely an adjudicator of disputes; but also, as a justice facilitator, connector and promoter,” the DCJ said.
She added: “It is good that judges engage; it is good that judges learn; this will only improve the structure and substance of justice provision in Kenya.”
She observed that the High Court, beyond its unlimited original jurisdiction in criminal and civil matters, is its jurisdiction under Art. 165(3)(b) of the Constitution to determine the question whether a right or fundamental freedom in the Bill of Rights has been denied, violated, infringed or threatened.
“This is a most important, most consequential jurisdiction and I am glad this inaugural Summit has been convened to provide a platform to foster dialogue, enhance understanding, exchange ideas and collaborate on strategies, and drive collective action towards protecting and promoting human rights through the work of the court,” she told participants.
DCJ Mwilu noted that the judicial service has over the years become acutely aware of the motile and rapidly changing context in which it serves, and is alive to the agency and justice capabilities of actors and institutions external to the Judiciary, while recognising the value in learning and collaboration.
“The Judiciary is actively and deliberately spearheading discussions and engagement on how to sustain and deepen our human rights practices as a state, as communities, as individuals, and as a people,” DCJ Mwilu explained.
She said the inaugural summit was illustrative of the Judiciary’s commitment to doing its part and to partnering in securing and strengthening the foundation of our constitutional democracy that is built on human rights.
The summit themed “Upholding Human Rights in a Changing Kenya” coincided with International Human Rights Day, which was celebrated on Tuesday December 10, whose focus this year is on human rights as pathways to solutions and the critical role they play as a preventative, protective and transformative force for good.
“Indeed, the summit has been held with deliberate attention to Kenya’s fourth Universal Periodic Review scheduled for January 2025. The Judiciary, and the wider justice system, are critical players in ensuring that Kenya meets her international human rights duties and obligations towards improving the human rights situation and to overcoming challenges to the enjoyment of human rights for all Kenyans and particularly the vulnerable and marginalised.”
Justice Mwilu said the Judiciary would double its commitment to deepening and strengthening human rights in all aspects of the administration of justice and exercise of judicial authority for the benefit of the people of Kenya.
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Deputy Chief Justice Philomena Mwilu makes her remarks when she presided over the official closing of the two-day High Court Annual Human Rights Summit in Nairobi.
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Deputy Chief Justice Philomena Mwilu confers with High Court Principal Judge Eric Ogola during the inaugural High Court Annual Human Rights Summit in Nairobi.
