Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to guaranteeing Kenyan judges a dignified and financially secure retirement, unveiling plans to fast-track legislation long sought by the Judiciary.
Speaking on Friday 21, November 2025 during the presentation of the State of the Judiciary and the Administration of Justice Annual Report at the Supreme Court grounds in Nairobi, Prof. Kindiki said it was unacceptable that senior judicial officers after years of service to the nation retire into hardship.
“It is wrong for people who have served in the esteemed position of judge to retire to poverty where they cannot even afford to pay their medical bills. This law will be passed soon. This is a demonstration of goodwill by our administration,” said Kindiki.
Retirement Law Fast-Tracked
The DP revealed that President William Ruto had earlier pledged to secure a dignified post-service life for judges, a commitment now taking shape through a Bill already approved by the Cabinet which now awaits debate and passage in both Houses of Parliament.
Prof. Kindiki disclosed he personally ensured the Bill was drafted and presented before the Cabinet within record time, terming it a product of serious collaboration between the Executive and the Judiciary.
He added that beyond enhancing pensions, the legislation is also expected to address long-standing concerns around medical coverage and proper welfare structures for retired judges, an area judicial leaders have repeatedly highlighted as urgent.
Supreme Court Land Title to Be Ready by December
In addition to the retirement law, the Deputy President confirmed that the title deed for the land on which the Supreme Court stands is being fast-tracked as earlier promised by the President.
He urged Lands Cabinet Secretary Alice Wahome to ensure that the document is ready before year’s end.
“The title deed for the Supreme Court premises will be delivered before Christmas as promised by the President,” he assured.
These two commitments, he said, are clear indicators of the improved working relationship between the Executive and Judiciary since President Ruto took office in 2022.
Record Judicial Appointments Under Kenya Kwanza
The second in command highlighted the substantial support the Judiciary has received under the Kenya Kwanza administration, pointing to an unprecedented recruitment drive and increased resources meant to ease access to justice for Kenyans.
Since 2022, 51 judges have been appointed across the High Court, Environment and Land Court and Court of Appeal. Another 40 judges are currently under recruitment, while 45 more are expected to join the Bench next year.
The Judicial Service Commission has also been facilitated to recruit 114 magistrates, with an additional 100 positions in progress.
“This administration believes, supports and affirms the place and stature of the Judiciary in our democracy. Infact there is no other administration that has sworn in as many judges since 2003.” he added.
Budget Boost and Operational Judiciary Fund.
The DP noted a significant rise in the Judiciary’s budget from Sh 21 billion in 2022 to Sh 26 billion in 2025 to strengthen court operations , expand access to justice and reduce case backlogs.
He also emphasized that the Judiciary Fund, a constitutional innovation intended to give the Judiciary financial independence, has finally been operationalized.
“We have also operationalised the Judiciary Fund which hadn’t been done before. There are a few things to be done to ensure the Fund runs smoothly,” he said.
Call for Bold Jurisprudence
Prof. Kindiki, himself an advocate of the High Court, challenged judges to take a more assertive role in shaping Kenya’s evolving jurisprudence.
He urged them to issue more definitive rulings in areas that remain legally ambiguous including the boundaries between judicial independence and interdependence with other arms of government.
“We are looking for clarity on where the Judiciary’s independence meets interdependence with other arms of government,” he said, calling this a critical but underexplored area of Kenyan constitutional law.
A Strengthened Partnership
The Deputy President wrapped up his address by reaffirming the administration’s support for a strong, independent and well-resourced Judiciary.
“The Judiciary has received the biggest support from this administration. Accessible and affordable justice is central to Kenya Kwanza’s agenda,”he added .
