Ruto champions collaborative governance from all arms of government for Kenya’s progress

President William Ruto has rallied for collaborative frameworks to advance national interests while upholding the Constitution's independence.

Speaking on Tuesday, Ruto noted that the constitutional separation of powers delineates functional boundaries between arms of government.

However, he insisted that it was crucial to remember that all three arms of government are servants of the people, entrusted with public authority for their benefit.

"At this juncture in our nation's institutional evolution, it is clear where the boundaries of our respective mandates lie. It is time to utilise our capacities and resources to establish collaborative frameworks on issues where we can align and advance the national interest without sacrificing our constitutional autonomy," Ruto added.

He was speaking after witnessing the swearing-in of 20 High Court judges at State House, Nairobi.

The Head of State emphasised that the Executive has a strong interest in an effective and efficient Judiciary because Kenya's economy and security, and the people's rights and freedoms depend on it.

The President affirmed that he will support the Judiciary's capacity across the country.

"For this reason, we shall not hesitate to make our contribution to the enhancement of the judiciary's capacity to deliver justice in every part of Kenya, especially through support for infrastructure development projects," he stated.

To support these efforts, Ruto announced increased budgetary allocations from the Financial Year 2022-2023 to the current one, from Sh87 billion to Sh108 billion, to sectors combating corruption and promoting justice.

Members of the Judiciary during the swearing-in ceremony of 20 High Court judges at State House, Nairobi on May 14, 2024. (Photo: PCS)

"These resources contribute to the Judiciary's infrastructure development, including courts, staff recruitment, and law enforcement capacity building," he said.

The President commended Chief Justice Martha Koome for the establishment of small claims courts across the country noting that they have brought justice closer to the people and resulted in a significant increase in the number of resolved cases.

"An independent Judiciary, an effective executive, a progressive legislature, an open civil society, and a vigilant media are not mutually exclusive; instead, they share a mandate to serve the people and should facilitate each other's efforts," Ruto said.

In addition, Ruto told the 20 new judges to serve the people of Kenya with integrity and professionalism and reject corruption in all its manifestations.

He stressed that for the judges to accord Kenyans the full promise of the Constitution, they must remain alive to Articles 10 and 159 of the Constitution, as well as the solemn oath they took as they were sworn in.

"Your devotion to these mandates and undertakings, and your commitment to diligently serve the people of Kenya, and do justice to them - without fear, favour, bias, affection, ill-will, prejudice or any political, religious or other influence," Ruto added.

Among the judges who were sworn in include Moses Ado Otieno, Alice Chepngetich Bett Soi, Benjamin Mwikya Musyoki, John Lolwatan Tamar, Francis Weche Andayi, Andrew Bahati Mwamuye and Julius Kipkosgei Ng'arng'ar.

Others include Wendy Kagendo Micheni, Emily Onyando Ominde, Helene Rafaela Namisi, Alexander Muasya Muteti, Julius Mukut Nangea, and Benjamin Kimani Njoroge.

Also sworn in were Caroline Jepyegen Kendagor, Stephen Nzisi Mbungi, Linus Poghon Kassan, Noel Onditi Adagi Inziani, Tabitha Ouya Wanyama, Rhoda Cherotich Rutto, and Joe Omido Mkutu.