Eye on Judiciary as projects worth Ksh.350B stall

National Government projects worth over Ksh.350billion have stalled in various stages due to dragged-out court cases.

A delegation led by Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i sought Chief Justice David Maraga to hasten litigation of cases.

They raised concerns that prolonged adjudication has not only increased the cost variances of the projects but also led to withdrawal of funding and development aid.

They include Attorney General Kihara Kariuki, CSs Faridah Karoney and James Macharia, Solicitor General Kennedy Ogeto and Interior PS Karanja Kibicho.

The Ministry of Transport, Infrastructure, Housing, Urban Development and Public Works bear the heaviest brunt of legal tussles with a whopping 221 lawsuits.

The suits were filed against the Cabinet Secretary, the State Departments, and other key stakeholders.

The Ministry of Lands and the Ministry of Environment account for some 36 percent of all the cases.

AG Kariuki emphasised that the cases handled touch on matters of immense public interest and hold significant public resources but also build on the principles and practice in delivery of justice within the country.

Mr. Ogeto echoed the AG’s sentiments adding that halting critical development projects without clear or justifiable reasons has had serious ramifications on the country’s economy.

The Chief Justice recognised the commitment to promoting cooperation among the three arms of Government.

He emphasised the Judiciary commitment to resolving all court cases constraining effective delivery of development projects expeditiously.