A corruption scandal is emerging in the Kenyan judiciary involving Chief Justice Martha Koome, the Judicial Service Commission (JSC), and the World Bank.
The controversy revolves around a Ksh 17 billion World Bank-funded project intended to construct a Supreme Court building and toilets for the seven judges of the Supreme Court.
The plan has sparked outrage, with critics questioning its necessity and transparency, particularly in a country where millions of citizens lack access to basic services such as clean water and healthcare.
The World Bank, a global financial institution committed to reducing poverty, has come under fire for prioritizing such a project in Kenya.
With 65% of the population lacking access to clean water and 72% unable to afford decent healthcare, many are questioning why the World Bank is directing resources to build a court rather than funding essential services.
Critics argue that this move contradicts the bank’s stated goals and shows a misalignment with the urgent needs of the Kenyan people.
The Chief Justice’s office is also on the spot for sidelining the JSC, the constitutional body responsible for decision-making within the judiciary.
The project is being handled in great secrecy, with no transparency or public participation. This has raised concerns about potential corruption and misuse of funds.
The JSC itself, which should provide oversight, appears to have been completely excluded from the decision-making process.
Alarmingly, the judiciary’s five-year strategic plan does not even prioritize building a Supreme Court, further deepening suspicions about the motivations behind this project.
The necessity of the project has also been questioned.
With 99% of the judiciary’s work now conducted online, many believe that the funds would be better spent on improving ICT infrastructure to enhance access to justice.
Expanding digital systems could help Kenyans in remote areas access legal services more efficiently.
Instead, a building project that benefits a small group of judges is being pursued at a time when the country faces more pressing needs.
Chief Justice Martha Koome has been heavily criticized for her role in pushing this project.
Her frequent travels to secure the deal have raised eyebrows, with critics accusing her of prioritizing personal and institutional interests over the welfare of Kenyans.
Meanwhile, the silence of the JSC on this matter has led to widespread frustration.
Its inability to assert its constitutional mandate and provide oversight has fueled perceptions of a judiciary that is unaccountable and self-serving.
This situation raises serious questions about the priorities of both the judiciary and the World Bank.
While Kenyans struggle with poverty and lack of basic services, billions are being channeled into a project that offers little to no benefit to the majority of the population.
Transparency, public participation, and accountability must be demanded to prevent such instances of misplaced priorities and potential corruption from undermining trust in critical institutions.
