The Judiciary has rejected a planned boycott of court proceedings by the Law Society of Kenya (LSK), maintaining that courts across the country will remain open on July 22.
In a press statement issued on July 20, the Judiciary Spokesperson, Hon. Paul Ndemo, clarified that the Judiciary had noted the LSK’s call for advocates to boycott court proceedings nationwide and suspend appearances before courts, judges, and judicial officers.
However, the Judiciary argued that boycotting court proceedings would not be appropriate, citing the risk of prejudicing litigants.
Further, the institution assured the public that all courts throughout the Republic will remain operational and urged litigants and advocates to attend court as scheduled.
“The Judiciary assures the public that all courts will remain open and will continue hearing and determining matters as scheduled on Wednesday 22 July, 2026,” part of the press statement read.
LSK Planned Boycott
The Judiciary’s response comes days after the Law Society of Kenya announced a nationwide boycott of court proceedings on July 22, citing concerns over the administration of justice.
In a statement issued on July 17, LSK said the decision followed sustained engagements with the Judiciary, the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) and members of the Bar.
Among the reasons for the planned LSK boycott were delays in the administration of justice, registry inefficiencies, case management challenges, the working environment for advocates and the overall integrity of the justice system.
According to the Society, the boycott is intended to show the advocates’ concerns and push for institutional reforms in the justice sector.
LSK stated that while it remains committed to judicial independence and the rule of law, reforms are necessary to strengthen accountability and improve service delivery within the courts.
Beyond the nationwide action, the Society announced an indefinite targeted boycott of courts presided over by judges and judicial officers who have obtained court orders restraining the JSC or the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) from investigating complaints, corruption allegations or disciplinary matters against lawyers.
Also Read: Lawyers Announce Nationwide Court Boycott, Target Judges Blocking EACC Investigations
Judiciary Defends Dialogue and Independence
Responding to the concerns raised by the lawyers’ body, the Judiciary described the LSK as an indispensable partner in the administration of justice.
A consultative meeting involving the Judicial Service Commission, the LSK Council, and representatives of the Senior Counsel Bar is scheduled for July 31, 2026, according to the Judiciary.
In addition, the Judiciary defended the independence of judges and judicial officers, referencing Article 160 of the Constitution, which provides that judicial officers are subject only to the Constitution and the law and should not be directed or controlled by any person or authority in the discharge of their duties.
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Court Performance
According to data from the 2024/2025 financial year, courts received 621,425 new cases and resolved 647,686 cases, achieving an overall Case Clearance Rate of 104 percent.
Further, the Judiciary recorded an improvement from the 83 percent clearance rate during the 2020/2021 financial year, with pending cases declining by 3 percent and the case backlog reducing by 30 percent, despite a 20 percent increase in new case filings.
During the 2024/2025 financial year, the leading causes of adjournments were witnesses not being present or ready to proceed, accounting for 16.8 percent.
Further case adjournments due to parties failing to attend proceedings were recorded at 12.3 percent, while delays due to advocates not being present or ready to proceed, and courts being engaged in other matters, were at 11.5 percent.
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