Deputy Chief Justice Mbete Mwilu during the closing ceremony of the 12th Annual Heads of Station Forum in Wote Makûeni. Photo Courtesy 
By Andrew Mbuva
Deputy Chief Justice Philomena Mwilu has issued a clarion call to Heads of Court Stations across the country to enhance supervision of registry operations, terming it a crucial step toward improving court efficiency and service delivery.
Speaking at the closing ceremony of the 12th Annual Heads of Station Forum held in Makueni, Justice Mwilu emphasized that the productivity of any court is directly tied to the effectiveness of its registry.
“No matter how competent and industrious a judge or judicial officer may be, if the registry is inefficient for whatever reason, that court will also be unproductive,” she asserted.
Commending this year’s forum for its focus on registry operations, the DCJ described the theme as timely and essential to the administration of justice. “It is imperative that we get things right at our registries,” she stated.
Justice Mwilu urged heads of station to take personal responsibility in overseeing registry staff, particularly to ensure the correct assessment of court fees—especially before the issuance of decrees.
She warned that mistakes at this stage can significantly prejudice litigants and erode public trust in the justice system.
She also highlighted the persistent challenge of misplacement and loss of case files, calling on court leaders to maintain rigorous use of file movement registers.
“Record keeping and the effective management of registers remains a challenge in our registries,” she noted. “How long must we continue assessing courts to ensure registers are properly maintained? These are critical tools that support efficiency, accountability, and transparency.”
To enhance order and facilitate appeals, she directed that all files be returned to the registry immediately after judgments and rulings are delivered.
The Deputy Chief Justice also addressed concerns over delays in processing cash bail and deposit refunds, as well as the return of securities, urging stations to act promptly to avoid unjustified delays.
“Holding on to these beyond reasonable timelines is unjust and reflects poorly on our service delivery,” she cautioned.
In a strong message against corruption, Mwilu decried the culture of “facilitation” for services that are supposed to be offered freely, calling for a restoration of integrity within court registries.
“As Heads of Station, you are not just administrators—you are the face of the Judiciary at the grassroots. The tone, discipline, efficiency, and fairness of your station begin and end with your leadership,” she said. “Let us lead with accountability, urgency, and a deep sense of service to the people we serve.”
The forum, themed “Enhancing Access to Justice through Efficient and Sustainable Registry Operations,” brought together Heads of Station from 143 Magistrates’ Courts and 14 stand-alone Kadhis’ Courts from across the country.
