Advocate Ekaterina Handa has pledged to push for greater transparency, accountability and integrity in the administration of justice if elected as the Law Society of Kenya (LSK) female representative to the Judicial Service Commission (JSC).
Handa, who was admitted to the Roll of Advocates in 2007, said her campaign is based on her years of legal practice and her experience working within LSK structures.
Speaking during a legal conference, she said the JSC plays an important constitutional role in ensuring access to justice, supervising the administration of courts and handling human resource matters within the Judiciary.
Her involvement in several LSK committees, including the Commercial Practice Committee, Continuing Professional Development Committee and Editorial Committee, has given her exposure to the challenges advocates face in their day-to-day interactions with the Judiciary.
Among the concerns she highlighted were delays in the processing of cases and shortcomings within court registries.
“I have seen what lawyers go through, particularly when they interact with the Judiciary through practice and professional committees,” Handa said.
She also called for greater transparency in the recruitment and appointment of judicial officers, particularly for advocates seeking opportunities to serve as judges and in other positions within the Judiciary.
Handa said lawyers applying for judicial appointments should have a clearer understanding of the standards and considerations used by the JSC when assessing candidates.
She proposed greater disclosure during the shortlisting, interviewing and selection stages, including meaningful feedback for unsuccessful applicants.
Such feedback, she said, would help candidates understand where they fell short and improve when applying for future opportunities within the Judiciary.
“We want the Judiciary to be fairly transparent in terms of how they absorb people into the Judiciary,” she said.
Handa also proposed stronger channels through which advocates can communicate directly with the JSC on issues affecting the legal profession and the wider justice system.
She said closer engagement would give members of the LSK an opportunity to raise concerns, seek clarification and contribute to discussions around the administration of justice.
With the LSK representing approximately 28,000 advocates, Handa said the society needs a representative at the JSC who can effectively present the interests and concerns of the profession.
She said her candidacy is anchored on integrity, openness and accountability, principles she intends to apply in representing advocates at the commission.
Handa said her legal experience and participation in LSK committees have also prepared her to advocate for reforms that address the practical challenges faced by members of the profession.
If elected, she said her priorities would include improving the efficiency of court administration, expanding access to justice and promoting fairness and transparency in the appointment of judicial officers.