The Law Society of Kenya (LSK) has announced a nationwide boycott of court proceedings on Wednesday, July 22, as part of measures to push for greater judicial accountability and reforms in the administration of justice.
In a statement issued on July 17, the Society said the decision follows sustained engagements with the Judiciary, the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) and members of the Bar over concerns about delays in the administration of justice, registry inefficiencies, case management, the working environment for advocates and the overall integrity of the justice system.
“The Society shall undertake a nationwide boycott of court proceedings on Wednesday, 22nd July, 2026, intended to emphasize the seriousness of the concerns raised by members and to call for meaningful institutional interventions that will restore confidence in the administration of justice,” stated LSK.
LSK said it remains committed to the independence of the Judiciary and the rule of law but believes reforms are necessary to strengthen accountability and improve the delivery of justice.
Besides the one-day nationwide boycott, the Society also announced an indefinite targeted boycott of courts presided over by judges and judicial officers who have obtained court orders restraining the Judicial Service Commission or the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) from investigating or processing complaints against them.
LSK said the one-day nationwide boycott is a lawful form of collective action to protest persistent challenges in the administration of justice and to advocate for institutional reforms.
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How the Boycott Will Be Conducted
LSK directed advocates to refrain from participating in all court hearings and applications during the boycott period, except where provided for under the guidelines.
The Society said that court mentions and applications involving interim orders may proceed only the obtain fresh hearing dates or to extend interim orders where necessary.
It also clarified that the boycott does not apply to the filing of court documents, directing advocates to continue filing pleadings and other documents within the prescribed legal timelines.
LSK further said it had notified the Judiciary of the planned boycott to facilitate administrative arrangements and ensure litigants are not unfairly prejudiced by the absence of their advocates.
Targeted Boycott of Specific Courts
Beyond the nationwide action, LSK resolved that advocates should not appear before judges or judicial officers who have secured court orders preventing the JSC or the EACC from carrying out constitutional mandates relating to investigations into complaints, corruption allegations or disciplinary proceedings.
“During the boycott period, advocates shall refrain from participating in all court hearings and applications, except as expressly provided under these Guidelines,” LSK said.
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The Society said such judges should only proceed with delivering pending rulings and judgments and should not preside over new hearings, part-heard matters or fresh applications while the restraining orders remain in force.
Where advocates are required to appear before such judicial officers, LSK advised them to request that the matter be transferred to another judge, that the judicial officer recuse themselves where appropriate, or that the case be adjourned.
LSK Asks Advocates to Support Reforms
Members will receive a secure reporting link on the day of the nationwide boycott through which they can submit feedback and complaints regarding proceedings in superior courts. Feedback on subordinate courts will be collected within one week.
The Society said information collected from advocates will be verified, anonymized and aggregated before being presented to the Judiciary and the Judicial Service Commission.
Calling for unity among its members, the Council urged advocates to fully support the resolutions, saying they are intended to promote a more transparent, efficient and accountable justice system while safeguarding public confidence in the administration of justice.
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