Civil society, faith groups question multi-billion-shilling car grants for judges

Faith groups and civil society organisations have questioned a proposed KSh10 million vehicle benefit for judges, estimating it could cost taxpayers billions every four years, and called on the Judiciary to prioritise equity and prudent use of public funds.

Religious leaders and civil society organisations on Tuesday called on the Judiciary and other constitutional institutions to uphold accountability and protect public resources amid a growing dispute over car grants for judges.

Addressing the media in Nairobi, the groups criticised the proposed vehicle benefit, arguing that public expenditure must reflect the constitutional principles of equity, transparency and prudent use of taxpayers’ money.

They specifically urged the Supreme Court to strike a careful balance between judicial independence and public accountability as it prepares to determine the dispute surrounding the taxable car grant for judges.

According to the organisations’ analysis, a KSh10 million vehicle grant for each judicial position covered could cost approximately KSh2.3 billion before tax, or KSh1.61 billion after tax, every four years. The groups stressed that these figures are estimates based on available information and assumptions, not confirmed actual expenditure.

They questioned the justification for the benefit at a time when many Kenyans are grappling with rising living costs, unemployment, expensive healthcare and school fees. Public funds, they said, could instead support essential services that directly improve ordinary citizens’ lives.

The organisations emphasised that their position was not intended to undermine judicial independence. Rather, they sought to ensure that public benefits remain legally justified, equitable and transparent.

They further called on all public institutions to respect their constitutional mandates and urged citizens, religious bodies and civil society to sustain peaceful engagement on questions of public spending. No institution, they maintained, should be above the Constitution, and public money must serve the interests of Kenyans.

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