A decision to slash Judiciary budget allocations has had a negative impact on the delivery of justice in the former Nyanza Province.
Kisumu Law Courts are among courts that have been affected by the budget cuts that are affecting normal operations.
Nation reports that judicial staff, lawyers and even convicts have been affected by the budget cuts as hearing of court cases have also been affected.
Western Region Chairman of the Law Society of Kenya Bruce Odeny said hearings of cases are being delayed due to lack of resources such as photocopying paper.
Odeny said the situation is dire and alarming that could see appeals being affected and verdicts delivery delayed.
“Lawyers and parties involved in cases rely on typed proceedings to lodge appeals. The situation is worrying because there are timelines within which an appeal should be filed. With lack of proceedings, there is a delay.”
“Several appeals could be trashed on grounds of technicality if they are filed outside the stipulated time because of the delays,” said Odeny as quoted by Nation.
Operations at Kisumu Law Courts were last week paralysed due to power outages and officials were forced to carry out their duties in darkness since the backup generator had no fuel.
“The crisis is too serious. It forces some of us to intervene in situations where the administration cannot afford to make payments. During the blackout last week, most court rooms were very dark. Our members have been forced to chip in to type copies of proceedings,” noted the LSK chairman.