DCJ Philomena Mwilu 2025, Kenya judiciary reforms, court registry supervision Kenya, Heads of Station Forum Makueni, registry efficiency judiciary, court file management Kenya, judicial integrity Kenya, access to justice reforms.
Deputy Chief Justice (DCJ) Philomena Mwilu has emphasized the urgent need for stronger oversight of registry operations across Kenyan courts to improve service delivery and enhance public confidence in the judiciary. Speaking during the closing of the 12th Annual Heads of Station Forum in Wote, Makueni County, Mwilu underscored that the productivity of judges and judicial officers is directly dependent on the efficiency of court registries.
She urged Heads of Station to closely supervise registry staff, ensure proper assessment of court fees before issuing decrees, and eliminate mishandling of case files to promote transparency and accountability in court operations.
DCJ Mwilu warned that errors or omissions in registries could erode trust in the judicial system and directed that all case files be promptly returned to the registry following judgments and rulings. She also called for timely processing of bail and security refunds and strongly condemned the culture of “facilitation” for court services, calling it unjust and unacceptable.
Stressing that court leaders are the face of the Judiciary at the grassroots, Mwilu encouraged station heads to lead with discipline, urgency, and integrity. The forum, attended by 143 Magistrates’ Court heads and 14 Kadhi’s Court leaders, was held under the theme “Enhancing Access to Justice through Efficient and Sustainable Registry Operations.”