JPIP DELIBERATES ON IMPROVING EFFICIENCY
The Project Management Unit, Integrated Fiduciary Agent, Directorate of Building Services and seconded staff to JPIP from the Judiciary participated in a two day Strategic planning workshop to deliberate and develop strategies for improving efficiency of JPIP implementation.
It aimed at ensuring that the entire team understood the new focus of the project from component to outcomes towards front-line service provision.
The workshop also provided an opportunity for Project Management Unit (PMU), Integrated Fiduciary Agent (IFA) to share experiences, reflect on the environment in which the project operates and capitalize on its strengths in driving the project to success and also propose mitigation strategies to address the challenges.
The workshop used the opportunity to induct new staff of the Directorate of Building Services who are new and whose role in the project is significant.
Group photograph of participants at the Strategic Planning Workshop.
Head of IFA, John Thiong’o making his presentation.
Participants following workshop proceedings keenly
Participants following proceedings of the Strategic Planning Workshop
Directorate of Building Services Established
The Judiciary has established a Directorate of Building Service (DBS) which will be charged with the responsibility of designing, supervising and managing construction and renovation program for all Judiciary courts. It will also oversee repairs and maintenance of all Judiciary buildings. The newly established Directorate will be headed by a Chief Architect as its Director assisted by Construction Industry Professionals.
The Director of DBS, Architect John Okello states that “The Directorate of Building Services will be responsible for the management of Judiciary’s estates, designing of court buildings, preparing tender documents and contracts, supervising construction works, extensions, remodeling, repairs and overseeing building maintenance.”
He further stated that to overcome risks and challenges that arise from inefficiencies, the Judiciary requires to manage its own court infrastructure development. The Directorate will supervise other consultants providing Architectural Engineering, Quantity surveying, Civil/Structural Engineering, Electrical/Electronic Engineering, Mechanical Engineering Services, Landscaping, Interior Design and Environmental Impact Assessments Services in addition to providing the same services. These services shall be offered from inception through to procurement of contractor(s), supervision during implementation stage and commissioning of building facilities.
The Judiciary plans to construct 30 new High Court buildings, rehabilitate 90 magistrate courts and build over 200 new magistrate courts across the country in support of the devolution of service agenda. The Judicial Performance Improvement Project (JPIP) court infrastructure component is intended to assist in accelerating the overall construction and renovation program being funded by the Government of Kenya (GoK). The World Bank Group’s will support the construction of nine new High Court buildings, one Children’s court and the refurbishment of approximately 20 magistrates’ courts. The Judicial Service Act (2011) stipulates the need to establish High Court station in each of the 47 counties. Currently there are only 17 High Courts in 17 counties.
Court infrastructure focuses on providing ultra-modern infrastructure to enhance delivery of quality services that will contribute towards dispensation of justice and reduce lengthy distances and travel times for litigants. There is also an urgent need for court construction to keep pace with the new judicial appointments and reforms.