JSC Defends Judges Playing Sports During Workdays
Former Law Society of Kenya (LSK) President Nelson Havi has received an unsatisfactory reaction from the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) over judges’ absenteeism in Eldoret for sporting events.
Havi complained to X on Monday, March 24, that the response lacked explanation and was poorly stated.
“The response from the Judiciary is acknowledged but the explanation is unsatisfactory. First, the complaint forwarded came from Advocates in Eldoret,” Havi wrote.
“Second, a working day cannot be used for sports. Let Judges and Magistrates enroll in a gym and work out in the morning or evening.”
The response from @Kenyajudiciary is acknowledged but explanation is unsatisfactory. First, the complaint forwarded came from Advocates in Eldoret. Second, a working day cannot be used for sports. Let Judges and Magistrates enroll in a gym and workout in the morning or evening. pic.twitter.com/8NFSBlQCxs
— Nelson Havi (@NelsonHavi) March 24, 2025
On Wednesday, March 19, Havi notified the Judiciary Chief Registrar, Winfrida B Mokaya, and Chief Justice Martha Koome of the scheduled absence of Environment and Lands Court judges.
He described it as gross malpractice and misbehaviour, which should not be permitted in the judiciary.
In its statement on Monday, the JSC stated that this was a routine exercise in the implementation of the ten-year Social Transformation through Access to Justice (STAJ) Blueprint.
According to the letter, this approach focuses on “attracting, developing and retaining the best talent, upgrading the core competencies of all staff, and developing the incentives and esprit de corps required to have inspired and motivated judges, judicial officers and staff who are committed to excellence in service delivery.”
Mokaya’s statement also stated that the Judiciary was committed to fitness and work-life balance, which is why a sports day was scheduled for March 20.
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“We note that in the Eldoret case, the notice to downscale services during the wellness activity on 20th March 2025 was issued with due endorsement of the Court Users Committee and that the leadership of the Court had put in place sufficient measures to ensure service delivery was not affected,” part of the statement read.
“Each of the two ELC judges had a cause list for March 20, 2025, and no matter was adjourned on account of the sports activity,” the statement read.
Over the last few months, the former LSK President has been fighting against judges’ absenteeism from critical court sessions, which occurs without clear communication or explanation.
The case in Eldoret particularly irritated Havi because they had explicitly stated that they would be doing sports rather than attending to their judicial obligations.
JSC Defends Judges Playing Sports During Workdays
