The Attorney General of Kenya, Dorcas Agik Oduor, has proposed a new legislative proposal which now aims at hastening the judicial process for corruption-related cases, mandating that all such matters be concluded within one year.
Under the proposed law, both trials and appeals will have to be conducted and concluded within 12 months of filing eradicating the decades long judicial inefficiency and restoring public’s trust and confidence in the ability of courts to handle corruption cases.
The proposed law also aims at expedited hearings by ensuring appeals from decisions made by special magistrates to be heard within three months.
It also looks to ensure swift resolution at higher courts by ensuring conclusion of appeals at the Court of Appeal within six months.
Although the Attorney General looks to prevent unnecessary delays in high-profile corruption cases and to ensure justice is delivered swiftly and fairly by introducing this law, the Judiciary has long complained of budget restraints claiming it has limited their operations highlighting the broader issue of the judicial system in efficiency and its causes.
This raises concerns about whether the judiciary has the resources and personnel needed to meet the proposed deadlines.
The bill is expected to be tabled in Parliament later where it is likely to prompt robust debate.
If passed, the law would mark a significant shift in how corruption cases are handled, setting strict timelines for legal proceedings and placing increased responsibility on courts to adhere to the new framework.
