Financial Crisis Cripples Justice Ministry’s Performance
By Kidega Livingstone
Deputy Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs, Joseph Malek Arop, has revealed that financial challenges, including delays in paying monthly salaries, have severely undermined the performance of the Ministry of Justice.
Speaking at a welcoming ceremony for the newly appointed Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs, Dr. Joseph Geng Akech, Arop said ministry staff have been demoralized by late salary payments, which has led to poor staff attendance and reduced productivity.
“We have financial challenges that have dismantled this ministry to the extent that it cannot perform effectively. The supporting staff have been complaining a lot because their salaries are not paid on time,” Malek stated.
He urged the new minister to prioritize improving the working environment for both senior officials and junior staff in order to enhance performance.
“How are we going to perform if we don’t even have mobility? Let us try to address this issue. In this ministry, you must balance politics, administration, and the law in order to implement reforms,” Arop added.
In his response, Dr. Joseph Geng Akech dismissed lengthy debates about challenges facing the ministry as unproductive, stressing instead the need for honesty and transparency in service delivery.
“As the new minister, I hope the supporting staff will cooperate. From my engagement with the public, I have understood that addressing challenges—including criminal justice—requires building a strong constitution that, in turn, strengthens the nation,” he said.
