Judiciary

English

(1)Judicial authority is derived from the people and vests in, and shall be exercised by, the courts and tribunals established by or under this Constitution.

(2)In exercising judicial authority, the courts and tribunals shall be guided by the following principles—

(a)justice shall be done to all, irrespective of status;

(b)justice shall not be delayed;

(c)alternative forms of dispute resolution including reconciliation, mediation, arbitration and traditional dispute resolution mechanisms shall be promoted, subject to clause (3);

(d)justice shall be administered without undue regard to procedural technicalities; and

(e)the purpose and principles of this Constitution shall be protected and promoted.

(3)Traditional dispute resolution mechanisms shall not be used in a way that—

(a)contravenes the Bill of Rights;

(b)is repugnant to justice and morality or results in outcomes that are repugnant to justice or morality; or

(c)is inconsistent with this Constitution or any written law.

Kiswahili

Mamlaka ya mahakama

(1)Mamlaka ya Mahakama yametolewa na wananchi na yatatekelezwa na mahakama na taasisi zilizo na mamlaka ya mahakama zilizobuniwa chini ya Katiba hii.

(2)Katika kutekeleza mamlaka ya mahakama, mahakama na taasisi zilizo na mamlaka ya mahakama zitaongozwa na kanuni zifuatazo—

(a)haki itatendewa wote, bila kuzingatia hadhi;

(b)utekelezaji wa haki hautacheleweshwa;

(c)njia mbadala za kusuluhisha kesi, ikijumuisha upatanishi, mashauriano, maridhiano na njia za kitamaduni za kusuluhisha mizozo zitakuzwa, lakini kulingana na ibara ya (3);

(d)haki itatekelezwa bila kuzingatia kwa uzito changamoto za kiutaratibu; na

(e)lengo na kanuni za Katiba hii zitalindwa na kukuzwa.

(3)Mbinu za kitamaduni za kusuluhisha mizozo hazitatumiwa kwa njia ambayo—

(a)inakiuka Sheria za Haki;

(b)Haikubaliki kimaadili na katika haki au inayosababisha matokeo ambayo sio ya haki au yasiyokubalika kimaadili;

(c)haiambatani na Katiba hii au na sheria yoyote iliyoandikwa.

English

(1)In the exercise of judicial authority, the Judiciary, as constituted by Article 161, shall be subject only to this Constitution and the law and shall not be subject to the control or direction of any person or authority.

(2)The office of a judge of a superior court shall not be abolished while there is a substantive holder of the office.

(3)The remuneration and benefits payable to or in respect of judges shall be a charge on the Consolidated Fund.

(4)Subject to Article 168(6), the remuneration and benefits payable to, or in respect of, a judge shall not be varied to the disadvantage of that judge, and the retirement benefits of a retired judge shall not be varied to the disadvantage of the retired judge during the lifetime of that retired judge.

(5)A member of the Judiciary is not liable in an action or suit in respect of anything done or omitted to be done in good faith in the lawful performance of a judicial function.

Kiswahili

Uhuru wa Mahakama

(1)Katika utekelezaji wa mamlaka ya mahakama, Kitengo cha Serikali Kinachosimamia Mahakama, kama kilivyobuniwa chini ya Kifungu cha 161, kitazingatia Katiba hii na sheria, na hakitadhibitiwa wala kuelekezwa na mtu au mamlaka yoyote.

(2)Afisi ya jaji wa mahakama iliyo katika ngazi ya juu haitafutiliwa mbali wakati ambao kuna afisa anayehudumu katika afisi hiyo.

(3)Mishahara na marupurupu ambayo majaji wanalipwa yatatoka katika Hazina Jumuishi.

(4)Kwa kuzingatia Kifungu cha 168 (6), mishahara na marupurupu ambayo jaji anapaswa kulipwa, hayatabadilishwa kwa njia itakayomwathiri, na manufaa ya kustaafu ya jaji aliyestaafu hayatabadilishwa ili kumuathiri jaji huyo mstaafu katika maisha yake yote.

(5)Mwanachama wa mahakama hatawajibika katika hatua au kesi inayohusiana na chochote kilichofanywa au ambacho hakikufanywa kwa nia njema katika utendakazi wa kisheria majukumu ya mahakama yanapotekelezwa.

English

(1)The Judiciary consists of the judges of the superior courts, magistrates, other judicial officers and staff.

(2)There is established the office of—

(a)Chief Justice, who shall be the Head of the Judiciary;

(b)Deputy Chief Justice, who shall be the Deputy Head of the Judiciary; and

(c)Chief Registrar of the Judiciary, who shall be the chief administrator and accounting officer of the Judiciary.

(3)The Judicial Service Commission may establish other offices of registrar as may be necessary.

Kiswahili

Ofisi na maafisa wa mahakama

(1)Kitengo cha Mahakama kinajumuisha majaji wa mahakama za ngazi ya juu, mahakimu na maafisa na wafanyakazi wengine katika Kitengo cha Mahakama.

(2)Imebuniwa ofisi ya––

(a)Jaji Mkuu, ambaye atayekuwa Kiongozi wa Kitengo cha Mahakama;

(b)Naibu Jaji Mkuu, atakayekuwa Naibu Mkuu katika Kitengo cha Mahakama;

(c)Msajili Mkuu katika Kitengo cha Mahakama, ambaye atakuwa msimamizi mkuu wa kiutawala na afisa wa uhasibu wa Kitengo cha Mahakama.

(3)Tume ya Huduma za Mahakama inaweza kubuni ofisi zingine za msajili itakavyohitajika.

English

(1)The superior courts are the Supreme Court, the Court of Appeal, the High Court and the courts referred to in clause (2).

(2)Parliament shall establish courts with the status of the High Court to hear and determine disputes relating to—

(a)employment and labour relations; and

(b)the environment and the use and occupation of, and title to, land.

(3)Parliament shall determine the jurisdiction and functions of the courts contemplated in clause (2).

(4)The subordinate courts are the courts established under Article 169, or by Parliament in accordance with that Article.

Kiswahili

Mfumo wa mahakama

(1)Mahakama za ngazi ya juu ni Mahakama ya Juu Zaidi, Mahakama ya Rufaa, Mahakama Kuu na mahakama zilizotajwa katika ibara ya (2).

(2)Bunge litabuni mahakama zenye hadhi ya Mahakama Kuu ili kusikiliza na kuamua mizozo inayohusu—

(a)ajira na mahusiano ya kikazi; na

(b)mazingira, matumizi, hatimiliki na umiliki wa ardhi.

(3)Bunge litaamua mamlaka na majukumu ya mahakama zinazobainishwa katika ibara ya (2).

(4)Mahakama za ngazi ya chini ndizo mahakama zilizobuniwa chini ya Kifungu cha 169, au zilizobuniwa na Bunge kulingana na Kifungu hicho.

English

(1)There is established the Supreme Court, which shall consists of—

(a)the Chief Justice, who shall be the president of the court;

(b)the Deputy Chief Justice, who shall—

(i)deputise for the Chief Justice; and

(ii)be the vice-president of the court; and

(c)five other judges.

(2)The Supreme Court shall be properly constituted for the purposes of its proceedings if it is composed of five judges.

(3)The Supreme Court shall have—

(a)exclusive original jurisdiction to hear and determine disputes relating to the elections to the office of President arising under Article 140; and

(b)subject to clause (4) and (5), appellate jurisdiction to hear and determine appeals from—

(i)the Court of Appeal; and

(ii)any other court or tribunal as prescribed by national legislation.

(4)Appeals shall lie from the Court of Appeal to the Supreme Court—

(a)as of right in any case involving the interpretation or application of this Constitution; and

(b)in any other case in which the Supreme Court, or the Court of Appeal, certifies that a matter of general public importance is involved, subject to clause (5).

(5)A certification by the Court of Appeal under clause (4) (b) may be reviewed by the Supreme Court, and either affirmed, varied or overturned.

(6)The Supreme Court may give an advisory opinion at the request of the national government, any State organ, or any county government with respect to any matter concerning county government.

(7)All courts, other than the Supreme Court, are bound by the decisions of the Supreme Court.

(8)The Supreme Court shall make rules for the exercise of its jurisdiction.

(9)An Act of Parliament may make further provision for the operation of the Supreme Court.

Kiswahili

Mahakama ya Juu Zaidi

(1)Mahakama ya Juu Zaidi imebuniwa, na itajumuisha—

(a)Jaji Mkuu, ambaye atakuwa rais wa mahakama hiyo;

(b)Naibu Jaji Mkuu, ambaye—

(i)atakuwa naibu wa Jaji Mkuu; na

(ii)atakuwa naibu wa rais wa mahakama hiyo; na

(c)majaji wengine watano.

(2)Katika usikilizaji wa kesi, mahakama itakuwa imepangwa vizuri ikiwa itakuwa na majaji watano.

(3)Mahakama ya Juu Zaidi—

(a)itakuwa na mamlaka ya kipekee na ya kiasili ya kusikiliza na kuamua kesi zinazohusu uchaguzi wa urais chini ya Kifungu cha 140; na

(b)Kwa kuzingatia ibara ya (4) na (5), itakuwa na mamlaka ya rufaa ya kusikiliza na kuamua rufaa kutoka—

(i)Mahakama ya Rufaa; na

(ii)mahakama nyingine yoyote au taasisi iliyo na mamlaka ya mahakama itakavyoagizwa kupitia kwa sheria ya kitaifa.

(4)Kukatwa Rufaa kutatoka Mahakama ya Rufaa hadi Mahakama ya Juu Zaidi—

(a)kwa msingi wa haki katika kesi yoyote inayohusiana na ufasiri na utekelezaji wa Katiba hii; na

(b)katika kesi nyingine yoyote ambayo Mahakama ya Juu Zaidi au Mahakama ya Rufaa itathibitisha kwamba suala lililohusishwa lina umuhimu wa kijumla kwa umma, lakini kwa kuzingatia ibara ya (5).

(5)Uthibitisho wa Mahakama ya Rufaa chini ya ibara ya (4) (b) unaweza kukaguliwa na Mahakama ya Juu Zaidi, na kisha kukubaliwa, kurekebishwa au kufutiliwa mbali.

(6)Mahakama ya Juu Zaidi inaweza kutoa maoni ya ushauri kwa serikali ya kitaifa, kitengo chochote cha Serikali, au kwa serikali yoyote ya kaunti katika suala lolote linalohusiana na serikali ya kaunti iwapo litaombwa kufanya hivyo.

(7)Mahakama zingine zote ila Mahakama ya Juu Zaidi zitafuata maamuzi ya Mahakama ya Juu Zaidi.

(8)Mahakama ya Juu Zaidi itatunga sheria zitakazoongoza utekelezaji wa mamlaka yake.

(9)Sheria ya Bunge inaweza kutoa mwongozo zaidi kuhusu utendakazi wa Mahakama ya Juu Zaidi.

English

(1)There is established the Court of Appeal, which—

(a)shall consist of the number of judges, being not fewer than twelve, as may be prescribed by an Act of Parliament; and

(b)shall be organised and administered in the manner prescribed by an Act of Parliament.

(2)There shall be a president of the Court of Appeal who shall be elected by the judges of the Court of Appeal from among themselves.

(3)The Court of Appeal has jurisdiction to hear appeals from—

(a)the High Court; and

(b)any other court or tribunal as prescribed by an Act of Parliament.

Kiswahili

Mahakama ya Rufaa

(1)Mahakama ya Rufaa imebuniwa, ambayo—

(a)itakuwa na idadi ya majaji ambao hawatapungua kumi na wawili kulingana na Sheria ya Bunge; na

(b)itapangwa na kusimamiwa kulingana na mwongozo utakaotolewa na Sheria ya Bunge.

(2)Kutakuwa na Rais wa Mahakama ya Rufaa ambaye atachaguliwa na majaji wa Mahakama ya Rufaa kutoka miongoni mwao.

(3)Mahakama ya Rufaa ina mamlaka ya kusikiliza kesi za rufaa kutoka—

(a)Mahakama Kuu; na

(b)Mahakama au taasisi yoyote nyingine iliyo na mamlaka ya mahakama kama itakavyoagizwa kupitia kwa Sheria ya Bunge.

English

(1)There is established the High Court, which—

(a)shall consist of the number of judges prescribed by an Act of Parliament; and

(b)shall be organised and administered in the manner prescribed by an Act of Parliament.

(2)There shall be a Principal Judge of the High Court, who shall be elected by the judges of the High Court from among themselves.

(3)Subject to clause (5), the High Court shall have—

(a)unlimited original jurisdiction in criminal and civil matters;

(b)jurisdiction to determine the question whether a right or fundamental freedom in the Bill of Rights has been denied, violated, infringed or threatened;

(c)jurisdiction to hear an appeal from a decision of a tribunal appointed under this Constitution to consider the removal of a person from office, other than a tribunal appointed under Article 144;

(d)jurisdiction to hear any question respecting the interpretation of this Constitution including the determination of—

(i)the question whether any law is inconsistent with or in contravention of this Constitution;

(ii)the question whether anything said to be done under the authority of this Constitution or of any law is inconsistent with, or in contravention of, this Constitution;

(iii)any matter relating to constitutional powers of State organs in respect of county governments and any matter relating to the constitutional relationship between the levels of government; and

(iv)a question relating to conflict of laws under Article 191; and

(e)any other jurisdiction, original or appellate, conferred on it by legislation.

(4)Any matter certified by the court as raising a substantial question of law under clause (3) (b) or (d) shall be heard by an uneven number of judges, being not less than three, assigned by the Chief Justice.

(5)The High Court shall not have jurisdiction in respect of matters—

(a)reserved for the exclusive jurisdiction of the Supreme Court under this Constitution; or

(b)falling within the jurisdiction of the courts contemplated in Article 162 (2).

(6)The High Court has supervisory jurisdiction over the subordinate courts and over any person, body or authority exercising a judicial or quasi-judicial function, but not over a superior court.

(7)For the purposes of clause (6), the High Court may call for the record of any proceedings before any subordinate court or person, body or authority referred to in clause (6), and may make any order or give any direction it considers appropriate to ensure the fair administration of justice.

Kiswahili

Mahakama Kuu

(1)Mahakama Kuu imebuniwa, ambayo—

(a)itakuwa na idadi ya majaji kama itakavyobainishwa katika Sheria ya Bunge;

(b)itapangwa na kusimamiwa kulingana na Sheria ya Bunge.

(2)Kutakuwa na Jaji Kinara wa Mahakama Kuu, ambaye atachaguliwa na majaji wa Mahakama Kuu kutoka miongoni mwao.

(3)Kwa kuzingatia ibara ya (5), Mahakama Kuu—

(a)Itakuwa na mamlaka ya kiasili katika kesi za jinai na kesi za kiraia;

(b)mamlaka ya kubaini iwapo haki au uhuru wa kimsingi katika Sheria za Haki imezuiwa, kukiukwa, kuvunjwa au kutishiwa; au

(c)mamlaka ya kusikiliza kesi ya rufaa kutoka katika uamuzi wa taasisi iliyo na mamlaka ya mahakama iliyoteuliwa chini ya Katiba hii kuchunguza kuondolewa kwa mtu ofisini, isipokuwa taasisi iliyoteuliwa chini ya Kifungu cha 144;

(d)mamlaka ya kusikiliza suala lolote kuhusu kufasiriwa kwa Katiba hii ikijumuisha—

(i)iwapo sheria yoyote haiambatani na, au inakiuka, Katiba hii;

(ii)iwapo chochote kinachosemekana kutekelezwa chini ya mamlaka ya Katiba hii au sheria yoyote, hakiambatani, au kinakiuka, Katiba hii;

(iii)suala lolote linalohusu mamlaka ya kikatiba ya vitengo vya serikali katika serikali za kaunti na suala lolote linalohusu uhusiano wa kikatiba kati ya ngazi za serikali; na

(iv)swali linalohusu mkinzano wa sheria chini ya Kifungu cha 191; na

(e)swala kuhusu mamlaka yake mengine yoyote, ya kiasili au ya rufaa, ambayo yametolewa na sheria.

(4)Suala lolote linalothibitishwa na mahakama kuwa linazua utata mkubwa kisheria chini ya ibara ya (3) (b) au (d) litasikilizwa na idadi isiyo shufwa ya majaji, na isiyopungua watatu, watakaoteuliwa na Jaji Mkuu.

(5)Mahakama Kuu haitakuwa na mamlaka kuhusiana na masuala—

(a)yaliyotengewa mamlaka ya kipekee ya Mahakama ya Juu Zaidi chini ya Katiba hii; au

(b)yaliyo chini ya mamlaka ya mahakama zilizotajwa katika Kifungu cha 162 (2).

(6)Mahakama Kuu ina mamlaka ya kusimamia mahakama za ngazi ya chini, mtu yeyote, taasisi au halmashauri inayotekeleza jukumu la kimahakama, lakini sio mahakama ya ngazi ya juu.

(7)Kwa malengo ya ibara ya (6), Mahakama Kuu inaweza kuitisha kumbukumbu za kesi yoyote inayoendelea katika mahakama ya ngazi ya chini, mtu, taasisi au halmashauri inayorejelewa katika ibara ya (6) na inaweza kutoa maagizo yoyote na kutoa maelekezo yanayofaa kwa maoni ya mahakama hiyo ili kuhakikisha kwamba haki inatendeka.

English

(1)The President shall appoint—

(a)the Chief Justice and the Deputy Chief Justice, in accordance with the recommendation of the Judicial Service Commission, and subject to the approval of the National Assembly; and

(b)all other judges, in accordance with the recommendation of the Judicial Service Commission.

(2)Each judge of a superior court shall be appointed from among persons who—

(a)hold a law degree from a recognised university, or are advocates of the High Court of Kenya, or possess an equivalent qualification in a common-law jurisdiction;

(b)possess the experience required under clause (3) to (6) as applicable, irrespective of whether that experience was gained in Kenya or in another Commonwealth common-law jurisdiction; and

(c)have a high moral character, integrity and impartiality.

(3)The Chief Justice and other judges of the Supreme Court shall be appointed from among persons who have—

(a)at least fifteen years experience as a superior court judge; or

(b)at least fifteen years’ experience as a distinguished academic, judicial officer, legal practitioner or such experience in other relevant legal field; or

(c)held the qualifications specified in paragraphs (a) and (b) for a period amounting, in the aggregate, to fifteen years.

(4)Each judge of the Court of Appeal shall be appointed from among persons who have—

(a)at least ten years’ experience as a superior court judge; or

(b)at least ten years’ experience as a distinguished academic or legal practitioner or such experience in other relevant legal field; or

(c)held the qualifications mentioned in paragraphs (a) and (b) for a period amounting, in the aggregate, to ten years.

(5)Each judge of the High Court shall be appointed from among persons who have—

(a)at least ten years’ experience as a superior court judge or professionally qualified magistrate; or

(b)at least ten years’ experience as a distinguished academic or legal practitioner or such experience in other relevant legal field; or

(c)held the qualifications specified in paragraphs (a) and (b) for a period amounting, in the aggregate, to ten years.

Kiswahili

Uteuzi wa Jaji Mkuu, Naibu wa Jaji Mkuu na majaji wengine

(1)Rais atateua—

(a)Jaji Mkuu na Naibu Jaji Mkuu kulingana na mapendekezo ya Tume ya Huduma za Mahakama na kwa idhini ya Bunge; na

(b)majaji wengine wote, kulingana na mapendekezo ya Tume ya Huduma za Mahakama.

(2)Kila jaji wa mahakama ya ngazi ya juu atateuliwa kutoka miongoni mwa watu ambao—

(a)wana shahada ya sheria kutoka chuo kikuu kinachotambulika, au ni mawakili wa Mahakama Kuu, au wamehitimu kwa njia hii kutoka nchi nyingine inayotumia mfumo wa sheria unaokuzwa na majaji kupitia maamuzi yao;

(b)wana uzoefu unaohitajika chini ya ibara ya (3) hadi (6), bila kujalisha kwamba uzoefu huo ulipatikana nchini Kenya au katika nchi nyingine inayotumia mfumo wa sheria katika Jumuiya ya Madola; na

(c)wana mienendo na maadili mema, uadilifu na wasioegemea upande wowote.

(3)Jaji Mkuu na majaji wengine wa Mahakama ya Juu Zaidi watateuliwa kutoka miongoni mwa watu ambao—

(a)wana uzoefu wa angalau miaka kumi na mitano kama jaji katika mahakama ya ngazi ya juu; au

(b)wana uzoefu wa angalau miaka kumi na mitano kama wasomi wanaoheshimika, maafisa wa mahakama, wanasheria au uzoefu wa kiasi sawa katika nyanja nyingine ya kisheria inayohusika; au

(c)amehitimu kwa viwango vilivyotajwa katika aya ya (a) na (b) kwa muda wa miaka kumi na mitano kijumla;

(4)Kila jaji wa Mahakama ya Rufaa atateuliwa kutoka miongoni mwa watu ambao—

(a)wana uzoefu wa angalau miaka kumi kama jaji wa mahakama ya ngazi ya juu; au

(b)wana uzoefu wa angalau miaka kumi kama wasomi wanaoheshimika au wanasheria au uzoefu sawa katika nyanja nyingine ya kisheria inayohusika; au

(c)wamehitimu kulingana na aya ya (a) na (b) na kwa muda wa miaka kumi kijumla.

(5)Kila jaji wa Mahakama Kuu atateuliwa kutoka miongoni mwa watu ambao—

(a)wana uzoefu wa angalau miaka kumi kama jaji wa mahakama ya ngazi ya juu; au

(b)wana uzoefu wa angalau miaka kumi kama wasomi wanaoheshimika au wanasheria au uzoefu sawa katika nyanja nyingine ya kisheria inayohusika; au

(c)wamehitimu kwa viwango vilivyotajwa katika aya ya (a) na (b) na kwa muda wa miaka kumi kijumla.

English

(1)A judge shall retire from office on attaining the age of seventy years, but may elect to retire at any time after attaining the age of sixty-five years.

(2)The Chief Justice shall hold office for a maximum of ten years or until retiring under clause (1), whichever is the earlier.

(3)If the Chief Justice’s term of office expires before the Chief Justice retires under clause (1), the Chief Justice may continue in office as a judge of the Supreme Court.

(4)If, on the expiry of the term of office of a Chief Justice, the Chief Justice opts to remain on the Supreme Court under clause (3), the next person appointed as Chief Justice may be selected in accordance with Article 166 (1), even though that appointment may result in there being more than the maximum permitted number of Supreme Court judges holding office.

(5)The Chief Justice and any other judge may resign from office by giving notice, in writing, to the President.

Kiswahili

Kipindi cha kuhudumu ofisini cha Jaji Mkuu na majaji wengine

(1)Jaji atastaafu kutoka ofisini atakapofikisha umri wa miaka sabini, lakini anaweza kuamua kustaafu wakati wowote baada ya kufikisha miaka sitini na mitano.

(2)Jaji Mkuu atahudumu ofisini kwa jumla ya miaka kumi au hadi atakapostaafu chini ya ibara ya (1), kustaafu huko kukizingatia itakayotimia mwanzo.

(3)Ikiwa muhula wa Jaji Mkuu wa kuhudumu utakamilika kabla ya Jaji Mkuu kufikisha umri wa kustaafu chini ya ibara ya (1), Jaji Mkuu anaweza kuendelea kuhudumu kama jaji wa Mahakama ya Juu Zaidi.

(4)Ikiwa, wakati wa kukamilika kwa muhula wa kuhudumu kwa Jaji Mkuu, Jaji huyo ataamua kuendelea kuhudumu mahakamani chini ya ibara ya (3), mtu atakayeteuliwa kama Jaji Mkuu atateuliwa kwa mujibu wa Kifungu cha 166 (1) ingawa uteuzi huo unaweza kusababisha idadi ya majaji kuzidi idadi inayokubalika ya majaji wa Mahakama ya Juu Zaidi.

(5)Jaji Mkuu na jaji mwingine yeyote anaweza kujiuzulu kutoka ofisini kwa kumwandikia Rais notisi.

English

(1)A judge of a superior court may be removed from office only on the grounds of—

(a)inability to perform the functions of office arising from mental or physical incapacity;

(b)a breach of a code of conduct prescribed for judges of the superior courts by an Act of Parliament;

(c)bankruptcy;

(d)incompetence; or

(e)gross misconduct or misbehaviour.

(2)The removal of a judge may be initiated only by the Judicial Service Commission acting on its own motion, or on the petition of any person to the Judicial Service Commission.

(3)A petition by a person to the Judicial Service Commission under clause (2) shall be in writing, setting out the alleged facts constituting the grounds for the judges removal.

(4)The Judicial Service Commission shall consider the petition and, if it is satisfied that the petition discloses a ground for removal under clause (1), send the petition to the President.

(5)The President shall, within fourteen days after receiving the petition, suspend the judge from office and, acting in accordance with the recommendation of the Judicial Service Commission—

(a)in the case of the Chief Justice, appoint a tribunal consisting of—

(i)the Speaker of the National Assembly, as chairperson;

(ii)three superior court judges from common-law jurisdictions;

(iii)one advocate of fifteen years standing; and

(iv)two other persons with experience in public affairs; or

(b)in the case of a judge other than the Chief Justice, appoint a tribunal consisting of—

(i)a chairperson and three other members from among persons who hold or have held office as a judge of a superior court, or who are qualified to be appointed as such but who, in either case, have not been members of the Judicial Service Commission at any time within the immediately preceding three years;

(ii)one advocate of fifteen years standing; and

(iii)two other persons with experience in public affairs.

(6)Despite Article 160 (4), the remuneration and benefits payable to a judge who is suspended from office under clause (5) shall be adjusted to one half until such time as the judge is removed from, or reinstated in, office.

(7)A tribunal appointed under clause (5) shall—

(a)be responsible for the regulation of its proceedings, subject to any legislation contemplated in clause (10); and

(b)inquire into the matter expeditiously and report on the facts and make binding recommendations to the President.

(8)A judge who is aggrieved by a decision of the tribunal under this Article may appeal against the decision to the Supreme Court, within ten days after the tribunal makes its recommendations.

(9)The President shall act in accordance with the recommendations made by the tribunal on the later of—

(a)the expiry of the time allowed for an appeal under clause (8), if no such appeal is taken; or

(b)the completion of all rights of appeal in any proceedings allowed for under clause (8), if such an appeal is taken and the final order in the matter affirms the tribunal’s recommendations.

(10)Parliament shall enact legislation providing for the procedure of a tribunal appointed under this Article.

Kiswahili

Kuondolewa ofisini

(1)Jaji wa mahakama ya ngazi ya juu anaweza kuondolewa kutoka ofisini tu kwenye misingi ya—

(a)kutoweza kutekeleza majukumu ya ofisi hiyo kutokana na kukosa uwezo wa kiakili au wa kimwili;

(b)kukiuka kanuni za utendakazi zilizowekewa majaji wa mahakama za ngazi ya juu kupitia kwa Sheria ya Bunge;

(c)kufilisika;

(d)kutokuwa na uzoefu unaohitajika; au

(e)mwenendo mbaya zaidi ofisini au tabia mbaya.

(2)Hatua ya kumuondoa jaji inaweza kuanzishwa na Tume ya Huduma za Mahakama kwa kuchukua hatua hiyo kivyake, au kwa ombi au malalamishi ya mtu yeyote, yatakayowasilishwa kwa Tume hii.

(3)Ombi au malalamishi ya mtu kwa Tume ya Huduma za Mahakama chini ya ibara ya (2) yatawasilishwa kwa maandishi, yakiainisha maswala yanayodaiwa kuwa msingi wa kumwondoa jaji.

(4)Tume ya Huduma za Mahakama itaangalia malalamishi hayo na iwapo itaridhika kwamba ombi au malalamishi hayo yanafichua sababu chini ya ibara ya (1), itatuma ombi au malalamishi hayo kwa Rais.

(5)Katika muda wa siku kumi na nne baada ya kupokea malalamishi hayo, Rais atamsimamisha kazi jaji huyo, na kwa kuzingatia ushauri wa Tume ya Huduma za Mahakama—

(a)iwapo itakuwa ni Jaji Mkuu, itateua taasisi iliyo na mamlaka ya mahakama, itakayojumuisha—

(i)Spika wa Bunge la Kitaifa, kama mwenyekiti;

(ii)majaji watatu wa mahakama za ngazi ya juu kutoka nchi zinazotumia mfumo wa sheria wa Jumuiya ya Madola;

(iii)wakili mmoja mwenye uzoefu wa miaka kumi na mitano; na

(iv)watu wengine wawili wenye uzoefu katika masuala ya umma; au

(b)iwapo ni jaji mwingine ambaye sio Jaji Mkuu, itateua taasisi iliyo na mamlaka ya mahakama, itakayojumuisha—

(i)mwenyekiti na wanachama wengine watatu ambao wanahudumu au wamewahi kuhudumu kama jaji wa mahakama ya ngazi ya juu, au ambao wamehitimu kuteuliwa kama jaji wa mahakama ya ngazi ya juu, lakini ambao hawajakuwa wanachama wa Tume ya Huduma za Mahakama katika muda wa miaka mitatu iliyopita;

(ii)wakili mmoja mwenye uzoefu wa miaka kumi na mitano; na

(iii)watu wengine wawili walio na uzoefu katika masuala ya umma.

(6)Licha ya kifungu cha (160) (4), mshahara na marupurupu ya jaji ambaye amesimamishwa kazi chini ya ibara ya (5) yatapunguzwa kwa nusu hadi wakati ambapo jaji huyo ataondolewa au kurudishwa ofisini.

(7)Taasisi iliyoteuliwa chini ya ibara ya (5)—

(a)itakuwa na jukumu la kudhibiti vikao vyake, kwa kuzingatia sheria yoyote inayobainishwa katika ibara ya (10); na

(b)itachunguza suala hilo kwa haraka, kutoa ripoti kuhusu ukweli wa suala hilo, na kuwasilisha mapendekezo ambayo Rais atatekeleza.

(8)Jaji ambaye hajaridhika na uamuzi wa taasisi hiyo chini ya Kifungu hiki anaweza kukata rufaa dhidi ya uamuzi huo kwa Mahakama ya Juu Zaidi ndani ya siku kumi baada ya taasisi hiyo kutoa mapendekezo yake.

(9)Rais atachukua hatua kulingana na mapendekezo yaliyotolewa na taasisi hiyo kufikia mwisho wa—

(a)muda uliotolewa wa kukata rufaa chini ya ibara ya (8), iwapo rufaa kama hiyo haijakatwa; au

(b)kukamilika kwa haki zote za ukataji rufaa katika kesi yoyote inayokubalia ukataji huo wa rufaa chini ya Ibara ya (8), iwapo rufaa kama hiyo imekatwa na uamuzi wa mwisho katika swala hilo unaafikiana na mapendekezo ya taasisi hiyo.

(10)Bunge litatunga sheria itakayotoa mwongozo wa taratibu za taasisi itakayoteuliwa chini ya Kifungu cha hiki.

English

(1)The subordinate courts are—

(a)the Magistrates courts;

(b)the Kadhis’ courts;

(c)the Courts Martial; and

(d)any other court or local tribunal as may be established by an Act of Parliament, other than the courts established as required by Article 162 (2).

(2)Parliament shall enact legislation conferring jurisdiction, functions and powers on the courts established under clause (1).

Kiswahili

Mahakama ndogo

(1)Mahakama za ngazi ya chini ni—

(a)mahakama za Mahakimu;

(b)mahakama za Kadhi;

(c)Mahakama za Kijeshi; na

(d)mahakama yoyote nyingine au taasisi itakayobuniwa kwa Sheria ya Bunge, isipokuwa mahakama zilizobuniwa inavyohitajika chini ya Kifungu cha 162 (2). (2) Bunge litatunga sheria itakayotoa mamlaka, na majukumu ya mahakama ambazo zimebuniwa chini ya ibara ya (1).

English

(1)There shall be a Chief Kadhi and such number, being not fewer than three, of other Kadhis as may be prescribed under an Act of Parliament.

(2)A person shall not be qualified to be appointed to hold or act in the office of Kadhi unless the person—

(a)professes the Muslim religion; and

(b)possesses such knowledge of the Muslim law applicable to any sects of Muslims as qualifies the person, in the opinion of the Judicial Service Commission, to hold a Kadhi’s court.

(3)Parliament shall establish Kadhis’ courts, each of which shall have the jurisdiction and powers conferred on it by legislation, subject to clause (5).

(4)The Chief Kadhi and the other Kadhis, or the Chief Kadhi and such of the other Kadhis (not being fewer than three in number) as may be prescribed under an Act of Parliament, shall each be empowered to hold a Kadhi’s court having jurisdiction within Kenya.

(5)The jurisdiction of a Kadhis’ court shall be limited to the determination of questions of Muslim law relating to personal status, marriage, divorce or inheritance in proceedings in which all the parties profess the Muslim religion and submit to the jurisdiction of the Kadhi’s courts.

Kiswahili

Mahakama za Kadhi

(1)Kutakuwa na Kadhi Mkuu na Kadhi wengine wasiopungua watatu kulingana na mwongozo wa Sheria ya Bunge.

(2)Hakuna mtu atakayestahiki kuteuliwa ili kuhudumu katika ofisi ya Kadhi isipokuwa mtu huyo—

(a)ni muumini wa dini ya Kiislamu; na

(b)ana ufahamu wa sheria ya Kiislamu inayotumika katika madhehebu ya Waislamu, ambao kwa maoni ya Tume ya Huduma za Mahakama, unamwezesha mtu huyo kuhudumu katika mahakama ya Kadhi.

(3)Bunge litabuni mahakama za kadhi, na kila mahakama ya Kadhi itakuwa na mamlaka yaliyotolewa kulingana sheria, lakini kwa kuzingatia ibara ya (5).

(4)Kadhi Mkuu na makadhi wengine, au Kadhi Mkuu na Kadhi wengine (wasiopungua watatu) kama inavyoweza kutolewa mwongozo na Sheria ya Bunge, watapewa mamlaka ya kuhudumu katika mahakama ya Kadhi iliyo na mamlaka nchini Kenya.

(5)Mamlaka ya mahakama ya Kadhi yatadhibitiwa ili kushughulikia maswala kuhusu sheria ya Uislamu yanayohusiana na hadhi ya kibinafsi, ndoa, talaka au urithi katika kesi ambazo pande zote husika zinakiri dini ya Kiislamu na zinatii mamlaka ya mahakama za Kadhi.

English

(1)There is established the Judicial Service Commission.

(2)The Commission shall consist of—

(a)the Chief Justice, who shall be the chairperson of the Commission;

(b)one Supreme Court judge elected by the judges of the Supreme Court;

(c)one Court of Appeal judge elected by the judges of the Court of Appeal;

(d)one High Court judge and one magistrate, one a woman and one a man, elected by the members of the association of judges and magistrates;

(e)the Attorney-General;

(f)two advocates, one a woman and one a man, each of whom has at least fifteen years’ experience, elected by the members of the statutory body responsible for the professional regulation of advocates;

(g)one person nominated by the Public Service Commission; and

(h)one woman and one man to represent the public, not being lawyers, appointed by the President with the approval of the National Assembly.

(3)The Chief Registrar of the Judiciary shall be the Secretary to the Commission.

(4)Members of the Commission, apart from the Chief Justice and the Attorney-General, shall hold office, provided that they remain qualified, for a term of five years and shall be eligible to be nominated for one further term of five years.

Kiswahili

Kuundwa kwa Tume ya Huduma za Mahakama

(1)Tume ya Huduma za Mahakama imebuniwa.

(2)Tume hiyo itajumuisha—

(a)Jaji Mkuu, atakayekuwa mwenyekiti wa Tume;

(b)Jaji mmoja wa Mahakama ya Juu Zaidi aliyeteuliwa na majaji wa Mahakama ya Juu Zaidi;

(c)Jaji mmoja wa Mahakama ya Rufaa aliyeteuliwa na majaji wa Mahakama ya Rufaa;

(d)Jaji mmoja wa Mahakama Kuu na hakimu mmoja, mwanamke mmoja na mwanaume mmoja, walioteuliwa na wanachama wa muungano wa majaji na mahakimu;

(e)Mwanasheria Mkuu;

(f)mawakili wawili, mwanamke mmoja na mwanaume mmoja, kila mmoja akiwa na uzoefu wa angalau miaka kumi na mitano, walioteuliwa na chama kinachowajibika kisheria kudhibiti taaluma ya mawakili;

(g)mtu mmoja aliyeteuliwa na Tume ya Huduma za Umma; na

(h)mwanamke mmoja na mwanaume mmoja watakaowakilisha umma, na wasiokuwa wanasheria, watakaoteuliwa na Rais kwa idhini ya Bunge la Kitaifa.

(3)Msajili Mkuu wa Kitengo cha Mahakama ndiye atakayekuwa Katibu wa Tume hiyo.

(4)Wanachama wa Tume hiyo, isipokuwa Jaji Mkuu na Mwanasheria Mkuu, watahudumu kwenye ofisi hiyo kwa kipindi cha miaka mitano na watastahiki kuteuliwa ili kuhudumu kwa muhula mwingine mmoja wa miaka mitano, mradi tu wawe wamehitimu,

English

(1)The Judicial Service Commission shall promote and facilitate the independence and accountability of the judiciary and the efficient, effective and transparent administration of justice and shall—

(a)recommend to the President persons for appointment as judges;

(b)review and make recommendations on the conditions of service of—

(i)judges and judicial officers, other than their remuneration; and

(ii)the staff of the Judiciary;

(c)appoint, receive complaints against, investigate and remove from office or otherwise discipline registrars, magistrates, other judicial officers and other staff of the Judiciary, in the manner prescribed by an Act of Parliament;

(d)prepare and implement programmes for the continuing education and training of judges and judicial officers; and

(e)advise the national government on improving the efficiency of the administration of justice.

(2)In the performance of its functions, the Commission shall be guided by the following—

(a)competitiveness and transparent processes of appointment of judicial officers and other staff of the judiciary; and

(b)the promotion of gender equality.

Kiswahili

Kazi ya Tume ya Huduma za Mahakama

(1)Tume ya Huduma za Mahakama itahakikisha na kuimarisha uhuru na uwajibikaji wa kitengo cha mahakama, na kuimarisha utekelezaji bora wa haki, ulio wazi na wenye ufanisi na—

(a)itapendekezea Rais watu watakaoteuliwa kama majaji;

(b)itakagua na kutoa mapendekezo kuhusu masharti ya kuhudumu kwa—

(i)majaji na maafisa wengine wa mahakama, kando na mishahara yao; na

(ii)wafanyakazi katika kitengo cha mahakama;

(c)itateua, kupokea malalamishi, kuchunguza na kuwaondoa ofisini au vinginevyo kuwachukulia hatua za kinidhamu wasajili, mahakimu, maafisa wengine wa mahakama na wafanyakazi wengine katika kitengo cha mahakama, kwa namna ambayo imebainiwa na Sheria ya Bunge;

(d)itandaa na kutekeleza programu za elimu na mafunzo yanayoendelea kwa majaji, mahakimu na maafisa wengine mahakama; na

(e)itaishauri serikali ya kitaifa kuhusu uboreshaji wa utendakazi katika utekelezaji wa haki.

(2)Katika utekelezaji wa majukumu yake, Tume itaongozwa na yafuatayo—

(a)ushindani na michakato yenye uwazi katika uteuzi wa maafisa wa mahakama na wafanyakazi wengine katika kitengo hicho cha mahakama; na

(b)ukuzaji wa usawa wa kijinsia.

English

(1)There is established a fund to be known as the Judiciary Fund which shall be administered by the Chief Registrar of the Judiciary.

(2)The Fund shall be used for administrative expenses of the Judiciary and such other purposes as may be necessary for the discharge of the functions of the Judiciary.

(3)Each financial year, the Chief Registrar shall prepare estimates of expenditure for the following year, and submit them to the National Assembly for approval.

(4)On approval of the estimates by the National Assembly, the expenditure of the Judiciary shall be a charge on the Consolidated Fund and the funds shall be paid directly into the Judiciary Fund.

(5)Parliament shall enact legislation to provide for the regulation of the Fund.

Kiswahili

Hazina ya Mahakama

(1)Hazina itakayojulikana kama Hazina ya Kitengo cha Mahakama, ambayo itasimamiwa na Msajili Mkuu wa Kitengo cha Mahakama imebuniwa.

(2)Hazina hiyo itatumika kugharamia usimamizi wa Kitengo cha Mahakama na madhumuni mengine yatakayohitajika katika utekelezaji wa majukumu ya Mahakama.

(3)Katika kila mwaka wa kifedha, Msajili Mkuu ataandaa makadirio ya matumizi ya mwaka utakaofuata, na kuyawasilisha kwa Bunge la Kitaifa ili kuidhinishwa.

(4)Bunge la Kitaifa litakapoidhinisha makadirio hayo, matumizi haya yatagharamiwa kutoka kwenye Hazina Jumuishi na fedha hizo zitalipwa moja kwa moja katika Hazina ya Mahakama.

(5)Bunge litatunga sheria ili kudhibiti matumizi ya Hazina hiyo.