In the past weeks, the judiciary in Kenya has been the subject of growing public scrutiny on social media. Judicial officers have faced accusations ranging from not being present in court as expected to critiques of decisions rendered. These discussions, often fueled by frustration and misunderstanding, have been laced with harsh criticism.
As a magistrate with over a decade of experience, I find this trend deeply concerning. While accountability is crucial in any profession, I believe the conversation around judicial officers must also include an understanding of the mental health toll of judicial work.
This blog seeks to highlight the humanity of judicial officers, the mental health challenges they face, and why a balanced approach—one that includes empathy alongside constructive criticism—is critical to maintaining the integrity and well-being of the judiciary.
The Sacred Yet Demanding Nature of Judicial Work
Judicial work is often described as both a privilege and a pressure. On the one hand, judicial officers hold a sacred responsibility to deliver justice. On the other, the role comes with immense expectations and unrelenting scrutiny.
In Kenya, about 600 magistrates and kadhis and 120 judges serve a population of over 50 million people. With an increasingly litigious society, these numbers underscore the staggering workload judicial officers must navigate daily.
This is not unique to Kenya. According to Schrever, Hulbert, and Sourdin (2024) in their study, 69% of judicial officers reported workloads as a significant stressor, with many describing the role as “unrelenting” due to the high volume of cases, societal expectations, and the emotional toll of dealing with conflict and trauma.
The Humanity Behind the Robes
Judicial officers are not immune to the same struggles faced by the citizens they serve. Behind the robes are individuals who experience grief, stress, and personal challenges.
This year, judicial officers in Kenya have collectively faced:
- Grief: Many have lost colleagues, friends, and loved ones. This shared grief weighs heavily, even as work continues uninterrupted.
- Economic Challenges: Salary cuts amidst increased taxes and a rising cost of living have heightened financial strain.
- Emotional Exhaustion: The burden of managing traumatic cases, coupled with public scrutiny, has made it harder for officers to recharge.
The study by Schrever et al. noted that 70% of judicial officers experience some level of burnout, characterized by emotional exhaustion, reduced personal accomplishment, and feelings of detachment.
The Mental Health Toll of Judicial Work
Judicial officers are exposed to secondary trauma—repeatedly hearing harrowing accounts of violence, abuse, and tragedy. These experiences can lead to secondary traumatic stress, a phenomenon that mirrors the symptoms of PTSD.
In Schrever et al.’s research, 40% of judicial officers identified case content as a significant source of stress. Moreover, public criticism, such as the vitriol seen on social media, only compounds these challenges. 45% of respondents reported that public misunderstandings of their role negatively impacted their mental well-being.
The Kenyan judiciary reflects these global findings. Our courts handle a wide range of emotionally charged cases, from family disputes to criminal trials. The weight of these cases, coupled with the expectation to deliver justice impartially and swiftly, creates an environment ripe for anxiety, depression, and chronic stress.
The Role of Empathy and Grace
The work of judicial officers is critical to the fabric of society. It demands precision, impartiality, and resilience. However, these individuals cannot perform at their best without public support and understanding.
While accountability is essential, there is a fine line between constructive criticism and destructive attacks. Schrever et al.’s findings revealed that judicial officers often feel isolated, with 62% reporting that they lack adequate institutional or societal support for mental health.
A little kindness from the public—a pause before casting judgment, an acknowledgment of the complexity of the role—can make a significant difference.
“Empathy has no script. There is no right way or wrong way to do it. It’s simply listening, holding space, withholding judgment, emotionally connecting, and communicating that incredibly healing message of ‘You’re not alone.’”
Brené Brown
Building a Kinder, Stronger Judiciary
To my fellow judicial officers:
- Seek Support: Engage in peer discussions, counseling, or wellness programs. Schrever et al.’s research emphasizes the value of community and structured support in reducing stress.
- Prioritize Self-Care: This is not a luxury but a necessity.
To the public:
- Remember that judicial officers are human. Schrever et al. conclude that societal empathy is a critical factor in reducing occupational stress for judges and magistrates. Constructive feedback is always welcome, but it must be paired with grace and understanding.
Conclusion
“If we can share our story with someone who responds with empathy and understanding, shame can’t survive.”
Brené Brown
Judicial work is sacred, but it is also grueling. The criticisms of judicial officers seen on social media should be tempered with recognition of the immense pressures they face daily.
By encouraging empathy, building stronger support systems, and opening dialogues about mental health, we can ensure that the Judiciary remains a place of integrity, fairness, and humanity—for those who serve and those they serve.
Let us remember that a little kindness goes a long way. Judicial officers are working tirelessly to uphold justice in an imperfect world. Let’s support them, not tear them down.
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