Justice Smokin Wanjala, Judge of the Supreme Court and Director General of the Kenya Judiciary Academy (KJA), on Monday presided over the induction training and swearing-in ceremony for newly recruited Resident Magistrates at the Kenya School of Government.
The ceremony marked a significant milestone for the 2026 cohort of Magistrates, ushering them into judicial service following what Justice Wanjala described as a rigorous and highly competitive recruitment process.
In his remarks, Justice Wanjala termed the occasion both a personal achievement for the new Magistrates and a defining moment for the Kenyan Judiciary. He said their appointment reflected merit, resilience, and a demonstrated commitment to the cause of justice.
“This induction marks the beginning of a solemn journey — a transition from the study of law to the lived responsibility of judicial office,” he said.
The two-week induction programme, jointly organized by the Kenya Judiciary Academy and the Office of the Registrar, Magistrates Court, is designed as a comprehensive immersion into the Judiciary’s institutional ethos.
Under the theme “Grounding for Greatness,” the training moves beyond legal theory to address the practical, ethical, and personal dimensions of judicial service.
Justice Wanjala noted that the curriculum equips Magistrates with critical competencies including judgment writing, active case management, and refinement of judicial craft. It also emphasizes collegiality, wellness, and resilience — key pillars in sustaining effective service within demanding court environments.
Participants will also engage in sessions exploring the transformative role of adjudicators in enhancing access to justice and promoting social transformation. The programme incorporates psycho-social support and wellness initiatives, reflecting the Judiciary’s recognition of the pressures associated with judicial responsibility.
As the Magistrates took their oaths, Justice Wanjala reminded them of the immense public trust vested in their office.
He underscored that Magistrates’ courts are often the first point of contact between citizens and the justice system.
“Your courts are where the Constitution meets the citizen, and where the promise of justice becomes a tangible reality,” he said.
He urged the new judicial officers to uphold integrity, empathy, patience, and an unwavering commitment to the rule of law in the discharge of their duties.
The Kenya Judiciary Academy reaffirmed its dedication to continuous professional development and lifelong learning for judicial officers. The institution aims to build a Judiciary that is legally astute, technologically proficient, and ethically steadfast in responding to evolving societal needs.
The induction programme is expected to conclude with participants fully prepared to assume their duties across various courts in the country.
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