Betty Trezz

High cost of living have affected the transport sector where by citizens are being overcharged @maskani254 @sheleadskenya #maskani kisumu

@Maskani254 @kawive @nisisikenya @TIKenya @TISAKenya @Pawa254 @thekhrc Parliamentary and legislative oversight bodies like the parliament of Kenya should provide democratic accountability #CostOfJusticeKE

What mechanisms are needed to ensure openness and accountability in the use of taxpayer funds to strengthen public trust in governance institutions? #CostOfJusticeKE

Kenya continues to experience growing public concern over the rising cost of living, high taxation, unemployment, and increasing pressure on public resources. In this context, questions around how taxpayer money is spent across government institutions have become central to national debates on governance, accountability, and public trust. Within this environment, the ongoing legal dispute on judicial car grants and judges’ allowances (Civil Appeal No. E533 of 2024 – Salaries & Remuneration Commission v Gachuiri & 3 Others [2026] KECA 692 (KLR)) has intensified public discussion on public expenditure, constitutional oversight, and institutional accountability. The case stems from historical benefit arrangements that evolved from pre-2010 duty-free vehicle schemes into progressively increased car grants for judges, raising questions about how such benefits are determined and regulated under the Constitution. The matter has highlighted the role of the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC), which is constitutionally mandated to set and review remuneration for state officers. It has also raised broader concerns about institutional coordination, oversight gaps, and adherence to constitutional processes in approving public sector benefits. At the same time, the case has sparked a national conversation on judicial independence, separation of powers, and public confidence in constitutional institutions. While judicial independence remains a foundational principle of democracy, there is increasing public demand for transparency and accountability in how taxpayer-funded benefits are managed, especially in a difficult economic period. For many citizens, this issue goes beyond legal interpretation, it reflects deeper questions about national priorities. With essential services such as healthcare, education, and employment creation under strain, there is growing scrutiny over whether public spending decisions reflect the urgent needs of ordinary Kenyans. However, it is equally important that this conversation is conducted in a balanced manner that respects constitutional institutions and safeguards judicial independence, while still allowing for legitimate public scrutiny and civic engagement. The #CostOfJusticeKE campaign is a citizen-driven initiative aimed at fostering informed national dialogue on judicial benefits, public expenditure, and constitutional accountability. It seeks to empower citizens to critically engage with how public resources are allocated and to raise important questions about fairness, transparency, and governance priorities. The campaign encourages Kenyans to interrogate key issues such as: 1. How are benefits for state officers determined and reviewed? 2. Are current accountability and oversight systems effective and transparent? 3. How should Kenya balance judicial independence with public accountability? 4. What impact do such cases have on public trust in institutions? 5. How can citizens play a stronger role in shaping public expenditure decisions? This campaign is not just about judicial allowances,it is about strengthening accountability, enhancing transparency, and ensuring that public resources are used in the best interest of citizens. Join the conversation under #CostOfJusticeKE as we build a national dialogue on governance, public finance, and constitutional accountability. Together, let’s amplify citizen voices, strengthen trust in public institutions, and demand responsible use of public resources. #CostOfJusticeKE

@Maskani254 @kawive @nisisikenya @TIKenya @TISAKenya @Pawa254 @thekhrc Strong audit system followup enforcement,audit institutions are critical but their effectiveness depend on enforcement #CostOfJusticeKE

@Maskani254 @kawive @nisisikenya @TIKenya @TISAKenya @Pawa254 @thekhrc Transparent budgeting and public disclosure,the government should strengthen trust when the budget is published in accessible, simplified formats not only technical documents #CostOfJusticeKE

@Maskani254 @kawive @nisisikenya @thekhrc @TIKenya @TISAKenya @Pawa254 @OkoaUchumi_KE They should monitor projects and service delivery on the ground to track wether what is funded for is actually delivered #CostOfJusticeKE

What role can citizens play in demanding accountability, shaping governance decisions, and ensuring prudent use of public resources across all arms of government?#CostOfJusticeKE

@Maskani254 @kawive @nisisikenya @thekhrc @TIKenya @TISAKenya @Pawa254 @OkoaUchumi_KE Citizens should demand for transparency and access information on public expenditures #CostOfJusticeKE

@Maskani254 @kawive @nisisikenya @thekhrc @TIKenya @TISAKenya @Pawa254 @OkoaUchumi_KE They should actively participate in budgeting and planning processes so that the influence decisions before the money is spent #CostOfJusticeKE

How do high-value state benefits affect perceptions of equality before the law, especially among citizens facing economic hardship? #CostOfJusticeKE

@Maskani254 @kawive @nisisikenya @TIKenya @TISAKenya @thekhrc @Pawa254 They intensify fairness judgements during economic hardship they evaluate public spending through comparative fairness #CostOfJusticeKE

@Maskani254 @kawive @nisisikenya @TIKenya @TISAKenya @thekhrc @Pawa254 They weakens symbolic fairness equality before the law is not only about the court ruling it's also about symbolic legitimacy #CostOfJusticeKE

@Maskani254 @kawive @nisisikenya @TIKenya @TISAKenya @thekhrc @Pawa254 They can two"tire state" when citizens see senior officials in institutions ie .judiciary receiving high value benefits while struggling with raising living cost #CostOfJusticeKE

How can Kenya strengthen trust in constitutional institutions while ensuring they remain accountable, transparent, and responsive to citizens’ needs? #CostOfJusticeKE

@Maskani254 @kawive @nisisikenya @TIKenya @TISAKenya @Pawa254 Support independent while demanding integrity constitutional institutions must remain independent but independence must match with ethical leadership #CostOfJusticeKE

@Maskani254 @kawive @nisisikenya @TIKenya @TISAKenya @Pawa254 They should strengthen accountability follow through not just reporting #CostOfJusticeKE

@Maskani254 @kawive @nisisikenya @TIKenya @TISAKenya @Pawa254 Kenyans should demand consistent transparency in decision making #CostOfJusticeKE

@Maskani254 @kawive @nisisikenya @thekhrc @TISAKenya @TIKenya @OkoaUchumi_KE @Pawa254 Once benefits like car grants is upheld for the judiciary of Kenya other constitutional offices, agencies and even unions in the civil services may argue for parity #CostOfJusticeKE

If upheld, the judicial car grants set a precedent for similar demands across other public institutions. What risks would this pose to public finance sustainability? #CostOfJusticeKE

@Maskani254 @kawive @nisisikenya @thekhrc @TISAKenya @TIKenya @OkoaUchumi_KE @Pawa254 Crowding out of the core public services,as compensation obligations expand, government often respond by protecting salaries first #CostOfJusticeKE

@Maskani254 @kawive @nisisikenya @thekhrc @TISAKenya @TIKenya @OkoaUchumi_KE @Pawa254 Wage drift and unsustainable compensation growth ie .apercedent setting benefits can trigger upward pressure across the entire renumeration system #CostOfJusticeKE