Tribunal members take oath, urged to uphold integrity

The Deputy Chief Registrar of the Judiciary Paul Ndemo has presided over the swearing-in ceremony of newly appointed chairpersons and members of various key tribunals, including the Sports Disputes Tribunal, Tax Appeals Tribunal, and Water Tribunal.

The event, held in Nairobi, marks the official induction of the appointees into the Judiciary’s arms tasked with resolving disputes in specialized sectors.

Addressing the new tribunal officials shortly after they took their oaths, Ndemo congratulated them on their appointments and welcomed those joining the tribunals for the first time.

“Today’s ceremony is not just a formality; it’s a solemn pledge of allegiance to the Judiciary and to the principles that govern judicial authority in Kenya,” said Ndemo.

He emphasized that tribunal members now fall within the broader Judiciary family and carry the responsibility of exercising delegated judicial authority on behalf of the people of Kenya.

“You are now public servants, and with that comes the obligation to restore public trust. As you know, there is a serious trust deficit in public service, and it is our duty to counter that through integrity and credible service,” he urged.

Ndemo criticized the common perception that officials often disregard the seriousness of the oath of office, only to act contrary to the expectations of truth and fairness.

He encouraged the new members to break that cycle saying, “We must go beyond the formal undertaking and commit to doing the right thing because we know what the right thing is; the commitment to the rule of law, ethics, and transparency.”

Further, the Deputy Chief Registrar emphasized the unique and vital role tribunals played within the justice system, noting that they were designed to offer practical, swift, and less technical resolutions to disputes, in contrast to the mainstream court system.

“Each of these tribunals is central to public service in a very specific way. You will be faced with real life disputes that need real and practical solutions, not legal gymnastics,” Ndemo noted.

Turning to specific tribunals, Ndemo highlighted the Water Tribunal’s role in addressing critical issues, reiterating the phrase, ‘water is life’ as he expressed gratitude to the Judicial Service Commission for filling vacancies that had long stalled the tribunal’s operations. He disclosed that the tribunal was expected to tackle an initial caseload of at least 65 matters.

On the other hand, Ndemo stressed the significance of the Tax Appeals Tribunal in safeguarding taxpayer rights and overseeing equity in the tax regime.

He called on its members to ensure that disputes are resolved efficiently and in a way that does not burden taxpayers unnecessarily.

Additionally, Ndemo also congratulated the members of the Sports Disputes Tribunal, emphasizing the important responsibility they now carry in delivering justice within the sports sector.

“You now carry greater responsibility, but our confidence in you has also grown. Let the oath you’ve taken today serve as a daily reminder of the high calling you have embraced,” he reiterated.

The Deputy Chief Registrar at the same time reminded the new appointees that as judicial officers, both their official and private conduct must foster public confidence in the justice system.

He reaffirmed the Judiciary’s support through the Office of the Registrar of Tribunals and expressed commitment to building efficient, well-resourced, and responsive tribunals.

“As you join this community, know that we constantly strive to raise the bar of service delivery. With your expertise and education, I’m confident that we will redefine judicial excellence and deepen public trust in our institutions,” he asserted.

The ceremony marked a significant step in strengthening Kenya’s tribunal system, which serves as a crucial mechanism for accessible, timely, and specialized dispute resolution outside of the mainstream court structure.

Judiciary presides over the swearing-in of tribunal members, urges integrity and expeditious service

The Deputy Chief Registrar of the Judiciary Paul Ndemo has presided over the swearing-in ceremony of newly appointed chairpersons and members of various key tribunals, including the Sports Disputes Tribunal, Tax Appeals Tribunal, and Water Tribunal.

The event, held in Nairobi, marks the official induction of the appointees into the Judiciary’s arms tasked with resolving disputes in specialized sectors.

Addressing the new tribunal officials shortly after they took their oaths, Ndemo congratulated them on their appointments and welcomed those joining the tribunals for the first time.

“Today’s ceremony is not just a formality; it’s a solemn pledge of allegiance to the Judiciary and to the principles that govern judicial authority in Kenya,” said Ndemo.

He emphasized that tribunal members now fall within the broader Judiciary family and carry the responsibility of exercising delegated judicial authority on behalf of the people of Kenya.

“You are now public servants, and with that comes the obligation to restore public trust. As you know, there is a serious trust deficit in public service, and it is our duty to counter that through integrity and credible service,” he urged.

Ndemo criticized the common perception that officials often disregard the seriousness of the oath of office, only to act contrary to the expectations of truth and fairness.

He encouraged the new members to break that cycle saying, “We must go beyond the formal undertaking and commit to doing the right thing because we know what the right thing is; the commitment to the rule of law, ethics, and transparency.”

Further, the Deputy Chief Registrar emphasized the unique and vital role tribunals played within the justice system, noting that they were designed to offer practical, swift, and less technical resolutions to disputes, in contrast to the mainstream court system.

“Each of these tribunals is central to public service in a very specific way. You will be faced with real life disputes that need real and practical solutions, not legal gymnastics,” Ndemo noted.

Turning to specific tribunals, Ndemo highlighted the Water Tribunal’s role in addressing critical issues, reiterating the phrase, ‘water is life’ as he expressed gratitude to the Judicial Service Commission for filling vacancies that had long stalled the tribunal’s operations. He disclosed that the tribunal was expected to tackle an initial caseload of at least 65 matters.

On the other hand, Ndemo stressed the significance of the Tax Appeals Tribunal in safeguarding taxpayer rights and overseeing equity in the tax regime.

He called on its members to ensure that disputes are resolved efficiently and in a way that does not burden taxpayers unnecessarily.

Additionally, Ndemo also congratulated the members of the Sports Disputes Tribunal, emphasizing the important responsibility they now carry in delivering justice within the sports sector.

“You now carry greater responsibility, but our confidence in you has also grown. Let the oath you’ve taken today serve as a daily reminder of the high calling you have embraced,” he reiterated.

The Deputy Chief Registrar at the same time reminded the new appointees that as judicial officers, both their official and private conduct must foster public confidence in the justice system.

He reaffirmed the Judiciary’s support through the Office of the Registrar of Tribunals and expressed commitment to building efficient, well-resourced, and responsive tribunals.

“As you join this community, know that we constantly strive to raise the bar of service delivery. With your expertise and education, I’m confident that we will redefine judicial excellence and deepen public trust in our institutions,” he asserted.

The ceremony marked a significant step in strengthening Kenya’s tribunal system, which serves as a crucial mechanism for accessible, timely, and specialized dispute resolution outside of the mainstream court structure.