Art. 161(2)(c) · Chief Administrator & Accounting Officer
Office of the
Chief Registrar
of the Judiciary
The administrative backbone of Kenya's Judiciary — steering finance, human resources and institutional operations so that courts across the Republic can deliver justice efficiently, transparently, and without fear or favour.
Constitutional Provision
161(2)(c)
Constitution of Kenya, 2010 — establishes the Office as part of the Judiciary's structure.
- Status Chief administrator and accounting officer of the Judiciary
- Role Critical pillar supporting the independent administration of justice
- Standing Status elevated by the 2010 Constitution beyond its prior administrative form
A Foundation Laid by
the 2010 Constitution
The Office of the Chief Registrar of the Judiciary (CRJ) is established under Article 161(2)(c) of the Constitution of Kenya, 2010, which provides for the office as part of the Judiciary's structure.
The 2010 Constitution elevated the status of the Chief Registrar, explicitly designating the office as the chief administrator and accounting officer of the Judiciary — solidifying its role as a critical pillar supporting the independent administration of justice.
Hon. Winfridah Boyani Mokaya, CBS
Chief Registrar of the Judiciary
Profile of the
Chief Registrar
Hon. Winfridah Boyani Mokaya, CBS, was sworn in as the Chief Registrar of the Judiciary in March 2024 for a five-year term. She is the third person to hold the office since the promulgation of the 2010 Constitution.
She is an Advocate of the High Court of Kenya with extensive experience in the Judiciary, which she joined in 1997, rising through the ranks from District Magistrate II to Senior Principal Magistrate. Prior to her current appointment, she served as the Registrar of the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) from 2012.
Education
Bachelor of Laws, University of Nairobi · Post Graduate Diploma in Law, Kenya School of Law · currently pursuing a Master of Laws degree · Certified Public Secretary.
Professional Affiliations
Vision, Mission
& Core Values
The Office operates within the Judiciary's Social Transformation through Access to Justice (STAJ) roadmap, which sets the direction for its administrative work.
Vision
To be a centre of excellence in the delivery of justice — advancing societal transformation, accountability, transparency, and the quick, effective dispensation of justice.
Mission
To provide efficient, accountable and transparent administrative, financial and human resource stewardship that enables the Judiciary to deliver timely and accessible justice to all Kenyans.
Core Values
- Independence and accountability
- Efficiency and transparency
- Integrity and professionalism
- Service to the people
What the
Office Does
The Chief Registrar is the Judiciary's principal administrative and accounting officer, with functions drawn from the Constitution, the Judicial Service Act and other statutes.
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Chief Administrator & Accounting Officer
Oversees the overall administration and management of the Judiciary, ensuring effective, efficient and economic use of the Judiciary Fund in compliance with the Public Finance Management Act, and prepares expenditure estimates for submission to the National Assembly for approval.
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Secretary to Key Bodies
Serves as Secretary to the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) and the National Council on the Administration of Justice (NCAJ).
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Financial Management
Prepares annual estimates of expenditure, and plans, implements and monitors the budget while accounting for all revenue.
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Human Resources & Support Services
Manages the day-to-day operations of Human Resources and leads support services, including planning, staff development and procurement.
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Judicial Functions
Performs judicial functions vested in the office by law and exercises powers delegated by the Chief Justice.
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Custodial Duties
Administers oaths of office for specific public officers and is responsible for the custody of the Roll of Judges and other statutory oaths.
Reports
Published reports from the Office and its affiliated bodies are made available for public accountability, and to support policy work by law reform, human rights and other institutions.
Physical Location
Supreme Law Courts, City Hall WayP.O. Box 30041 – 00100, Nairobi
Get in Touch
- Office
- Office of the Chief Registrar of the Judiciary, Supreme Law Courts, Nairobi
- Phone
- +254 0730 181 000
- info.ocrj@court.go.ke
- Working Hours