Judiciary needs sh1b for 76 wigs, MPs told

Jul 27, 2012

MPs have heard that it will cost sh1b to procure ceremonial wigs for the 76 justices.

By Moses Walubiri

As the Judiciary grapples with an array of problems ranging from financial constraints to shortage of manpower, MPs have heard that it will cost sh1b to procure ceremonial wigs for the 76 justices of the Supreme Court, Court of Appeal and High Court.

The secretary to the Judiciary, Dorcus Okalany, told MPs on the legal and parliamentary affairs yesterday that the wigs are a mainstay for justices during special ceremonies.

“The justices have got working, but no ceremonial wigs.

“This has continued to be a protocol embarrassment because many judges attend ceremonies without being recognised,” Okalany told legislators on Thursday.

MPs heard that each wig goes for £4,000 (about sh13.5m) because the manufacturer in the UK has a monopoly.

When fully constituted, the Supreme Court has 15 justices, Court of Appeal 11 and High Court 50.

Due to financial constraints, however, the number is currently less by 19 justices, with the Supreme Court having 6, Court of Appeal 7 and High Court 44.

 

 

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