NAIROBI, Kenya, Sept 15 – The Cabinet on Wednesday approved the Judicial Service Bill 2010, which establishes a new, independent Judicial Service Commission as well as herald far reaching reforms in the Judiciary.
A Cabinet meeting chaired by President Mwai Kibaki at State House Nairobi also resolved that the commission should be in place by October 27. The Bill will now be taken to Parliament for debate.
It also makes provision for the establishment of a Judiciary Fund to give the Judiciary financial autonomy by allowing it to draw its funding directly from the Consolidated Fund.
The Bill also provides for the procedure of appointment, discipline and removal of judges, other judicial officers and staff. It establishes the National Council on Administration of Justice that will bring together justice sector stakeholders.
According to the Presidential Press Service, "The Council shall bring together all players involved in the justice system including the judiciary, police, prisons and prosecution."
The Cabinet further approved the establishment of a National Single Window system at the Kenya Ports Authority which will provide for the transformation of the port into a paperless operation.
The Ministers also approved the establishment of a government owned independent entity to operate the single window system that is an electronic platform that allows for the submission and receipt of all trade and related documents. The single window portal aims at enhancing efficiency and transparency in port operations.
The Cabinet also agreed that the African E-Government conference to be held in Nairobi later this financial year.
During the conference Kenya will showcase its ICT innovations and strides in E-government operations. The conference will draw participants from government, local authorities and other development institutions.
The Cabinet also discussed the status of the expansion of the Kisumu International Airport and agreed for the lengthening and expansion of the airport runway, to allow for the accommodation of the larger Boeing 767 passenger or cargo airplanes.
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