Advocate Ekaterina Handa Pushes for Clear Regulations as She Eyes JSC Women’s Representative Seat

   Advocate of the High Court, Ekaterina Handa, has intensified calls for Parliament to fast‑track the development of regulations that accompany newly enacted laws, warning that delays are weakening judicial accountability and eroding public trust. At the same time, she has emerged as a strong contender for the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) women’s representative seat, positioning herself as a reform‑minded candidate committed to strengthening transparency in Kenya’s judiciary.

            

Advocate of High Court Ekaterina Handa addressing a press conference 

       Handa’s Call for Accountability

  Handa stressed that while Parliament frequently passes legislation, many laws remain “inactive” due to the absence of operational regulations. She cited the Judicial Service Commission Act as a prime example, noting that years after its passage, crucial rules guiding the handling of complaints against judges remain incomplete.

   “Accountability and independence are not opposing principles. They are complementary pillars of our constitutional democracy,” she stated, underscoring that judicial independence must be safeguarded while ensuring judges remain answerable to the public.

   Her remarks come as the Statutory Instruments (Amendment) Bill, 2024 moves through Parliament. The Bill seeks to impose strict timelines for drafting regulations, empower citizens to petition Parliament when agencies fail to act, and introduce criminal liability for authorities that neglect regulation‑making.

      Campaign for JSC Women’s Representative

   Handa’s advocacy dovetails with her campaign for the JSC women’s representative seat. She has pledged to champion reforms that ensure:

•Transparent complaints processes: Clear rules for receiving, investigating, and resolving complaints against judges.

•Institutional efficiency: Stronger frameworks to prevent laws from stalling due to missing regulations.

•Public trust: Restoring confidence in the judiciary by making accountability predictable and fair.Her candidacy reflects a broader push by reform‑minded advocates to ensure the JSC operates with transparency and responsiveness to citizens.

           Risks of Regulatory Delays

   Judges face uncertainty in disciplinary matters.Institutions struggle to enforce laws effectively.Citizens lose confidence when justice processes appear opaque.

   

               The Bigger Picture

     Handa’s dual role — as a vocal advocate for regulatory clarity and as a candidate for the JSC women’s representative seat — positions her at the center of Kenya’s judicial reform debate. Observers note that her campaign is not just about winning a seat but about reshaping how accountability and independence coexist in Kenya’s constitutional democracy.