Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has said the government is moving fast to put in place a new law that will guarantee judges a secure and dignified life after leaving office, describing it as a commitment to honour those who spend their careers serving the country.
Speaking during the launch of the State of the Judiciary and Administration of Justice Annual Report at the Supreme Court grounds in Nairobi, he said the law is one of the promises made by President William Ruto and is already before Parliament after approval by the Cabinet.
Kindiki noted that the Bill was prepared through a joint effort within the Executive and assured the Judiciary that it will not stall.
“The law will be passed soon. This is a demonstration of goodwill by our administration. It is wrong for people who have served in the esteemed position of the judge to retire to poverty where they cannot even afford to pay for their medical bills,” he said.
He explained that senior judicial officers should not struggle after retirement, pointing out that the country has a duty to ensure they access proper medical care and live in comfort.
The Deputy President also said the government is pushing to complete another promise made earlier by the President—issuing a title deed for the land where the Supreme Court stands. He asked Lands Cabinet Secretary Alice Wahome to make sure the document is ready before the end of December.
“The title deed for the Supreme Court premises will be delivered before Christmas as promised by the President,” DP assured.
He described the two commitments as examples of the better working relationship between the Executive and the Judiciary since 2022, saying the current administration has given the Judiciary the most support in recent years.
National Assembly Deputy Speaker Gladys Boss (left), Deputy President Kithure Kindiki and Chief Justice Martha Koome launching the State of Judiciary Annual Report for 2024/2025 at Supreme Court, Nairobi on November 21, 2025.PHOTO/DPCS
According to Kindiki, the government has boosted the number of judges to help speed up the delivery of justice. Since 2022, 51 judges have joined the High Court, the Land and Environment Court and the Court of Appeal. Another 40 are currently being hired, while 45 more will be recruited next year.
The Judicial Service Commission has also been supported to hire more magistrates, with 114 already recruited and another 100 in progress.
He added that the Judiciary’s budget has risen from Sh21 billion in 2022 to Sh26 billion in 2025, saying this shows the administration’s effort to strengthen the justice system.
“This administration believes, supports and affirms the place and stature of the judiciary in our democracy. There is no other administration that has sworn in as many judges since 2003,” he said.
Prof Kindiki said the Judiciary Fund, which had stalled for years, is now operational and is being adjusted to ensure it works well for the institution.
“We have also operationalized the Judiciary Fund which hadn’t been done before. There are few things to be done to ensure the Fund runs smoothly,” he revealed.
He also backed the Judiciary’s request for Parliament to fast-track its supplementary budget, saying the Executive supports its passage.
The Deputy President, who is a lawyer, urged judges to help settle constitutional debates involving the limits of judicial independence and the roles of other arms of government.
“We are looking for clarity on where the judiciary’s independence meets interdependence with other arms of government,” he said.
Judges in Kenya’s superior courts are closer than ever to securing a comprehensive retirement plan, after a parliamentary committee approved a bill that would provide them with lifetime benefits worth Sh5.7 billion.
The move comes as Members of Parliament (MPs) seek to replace a pension system that has long been considered outdated and insufficient for the judiciary.
The National Assembly’s Justice and Legal Affairs Committee has approved the Judges’ Retirement Benefits Bill, 2025, following extensive public consultations and parliamentary debates. The move marks a major step toward modernizing the benefits structure for Kenya’s judiciary.
The Committee said the plan, which would be financed by taxpayers, is expected to cost Sh5.67 billion and introduces a pension system designed to meet current standards for judges retiring after years of service.
At present, judges’ pensions are still based on the Pensions Act of 1946, a law dating back to the colonial era. The new legislation seeks to overhaul this outdated system and provide a more sustainable and fair retirement plan.
Under the Bill, pensions would be calculated based on a combination of basic salary and housing allowance, ensuring judges maintain a reasonable standard of living after leaving office. In addition, retirees would receive yearly adjustments linked to inflation, with increases capped between one and five per cent.
Judges would also receive a one-time transport allowance when they retire, though the government has not yet specified how it will be paid. Those who have served at least 10 years, or who choose not to take gratuity, would qualify for lifetime medical coverage.
The Bill further ensures that retired judges keep diplomatic passports and retain access to government airport lounges across the country, offering additional privileges for their continued convenience.
