Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
Languages
References
Community Service
Affiliations
Publications
Training
CORE VALUES & ATTRIBUTES
COMMUNITY SERVICE ACTIVITIES and AWARDS
Timeline
Generic
JOSEPHINE NYATUGA MARAGIA

JOSEPHINE NYATUGA MARAGIA

MALAVA

Summary

A distinguished judicial officer with seventeen (17) years of extensive experience in legal practice and judicial administration, with four (4) years at the bar and thirteen (13) years on the bench. A result-oriented, God -fearing public servant, serving all without discrimination, and with impeccable integrity. Proven expertise in case management, court administration and the development of jurisprudence through scholarly works and delivering quality and timely decisions. Demonstrated the ability to optimize court operations, effectively engage people with diverse backgrounds, manage complex legal landscapes and promote visionary leadership within the courts. Committed to promoting and enhancing access to justice and upholding the rule of law to ensure a peaceful and cohesive society, to boost social, political and economic growth at home and abroad.

I hold a Master of Laws Degree (LLM) from the University of Nairobi, and currently pursuing a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Law at the same University. Prior, I had a Bachelor of Laws Degree (LLB) from Moi University. Further, I hold a postgraduate Diploma in Law.

Overview

17
17
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Principal Magistrate

Butali Law Courts
06.2023 - Current
  • Assisting the Head of Station in the general management of the station.
  • Actively engaged in the core duty of hearing and determining cases with a good record regarding returns and feedback.
  • Overseeing Daily Court Returns (DCRT) at the station.
  • Successfully implemented workflow improvements that reduced case backlog and improved turnaround time for case processing. We have reduced case backlog tremendously.
  • Actively engaged in mentoring the staff who work with us. My two court assistants are pursuing degree courses in their areas of interest to upgrade their skills.
  • Spearheaded the training of registry staff on data entry and record keeping.
  • Actively promoted ADR within the court, referring appropriate cases to CAM and other ADR methods.
  • Contributed to strengthening stakeholder collaboration, resulting in enhanced trust and operational efficiency in judicial services.

Deputy Registrar and Magistrate

Kakamega High Court
01.2018 - 04.2023
  • Served as Deputy Registrar, assisting the Head of Station and Presiding Judge in managing the station.
  • Oversee daily court operations of High Court registries.
  • Provide leadership and mentorship to judicial staff, fostering a culture of integrity and professionalism
  • Linking the station with stakeholders and other law enforcement agencies for seamless court operations.
  • Execution of court orders and case management.
  • Taxing bills of costs.
  • Organized all court meetings presided over by the presiding Judge and Head of station.
  • Organized prison visits and coordinated prison decongestions, in consultation with the Presiding Judge.
  • Planned for very successful service weeks, in consultation with the presiding Judge and the Registrar High Court. This helped in declogging the court dockets.
  • Presided over a wide range of cases, including criminal, civil, family, and land disputes, ensuring fair and timely resolution in accordance with the law.
  • Interpreted and applied legal statutes, precedents, and procedural rules to deliver well-reasoned judgments and rulings.
  • Spearheaded the establishment of the Court Annexed Mediation Registry in the Station and trained staff to run the registry. The station was ranked the best performing in CAM and has always been ranked among the top three court stations, countrywide.
  • Awarded for dedicated service and exemplary performance in the management of high court registries.
  • Successfully contributed to the reduction of case backlog. Kakamega High Court emerged as the best in case backlog reduction in the financial year 2022-2023 with a case clearance rate of 318%. Within the same period, Kakamega Magistrates Courts emerged as the 2nd most improved court countrywide.
  • Won a trophy for the station by leading the staff in showcasing Court registry operations and Court annexed Mediation at the Agricultural Society of Kenya (ASK) Show held at Kakamega ASK grounds.
  • Through my contribution in organizing court registries and proper record and data keeping, we were able to propose the establishment of Vihiga High Court registry, which proposal was accepted by the Judiciary leadership, leading to the establishment of the Vihiga High Court. Further, we set up a Court of Appeal Registry and an Employment and Labour Relations Court registry.
  • Minimized the number of files with missing outcomes by establishing a Daily Court Returns (DCRT) Committee at the station, whose role was to monitor the accurate population of data and also carry out a weekly peer review exercise on data entry, thereby propelling the station to greater performance.
  • Sensitized members of the public on Court Procedures and court-annexed mediation through local radio talk shows.
  • Pioneered in setting up a WhatsApp page where we could actively engage with the stakeholders, and we promptly addressed issues affecting the administration of Justice.
  • Mentored many staff members who worked under my supervision. One has completed a law degree course, another obtained a degree in Human Resource Management and several others enrolled in part-time courses in their areas of interest to improve their skills.
  • Successfully carried out a voter scrutiny and recount exercise for an election Petition.

Resident Magistrate

Busia Law Courts
06.2012 - 12.2017
  • Presided over a wide range of cases, including criminal, civil, family, and land disputes, ensuring fair and timely resolution in accordance with the law.
  • Interpreted and applied legal statutes, precedents, and procedural rules to deliver well-reasoned judgments and rulings.
  • Actively participated in community sensitization programs to promote public understanding of legal processes and rights.
  • Contributed greatly to the station's case backlog reduction.
  • Mentored the staff, working under me on proper work ethic, career growth and development.
  • Appointed as one of the only two Resident Magistrates, nationally, as a special court in hearing Election Offences disputes. I heard and determined the cases within the stipulated period.
  • Actively engaged in hearing and determination of cases of various cases, among them, the medical negligence cases involving Akichelesit Children, and delivered judgements promptly and posted good returns.

State Counsel

State Law Office
05.2011 - 06.2012
  • I worked as an assistant registrar of societies, advising the government through legal opinions on matters affecting the registration and management of registered societies.
  • I represented the government in Court in matters related to the registration and running of societies.

Advocate

Kairu Mc Court & Company Advocates
Nairobi
07.2010 - 03.2011
  • I was actively engaged in drafting pleadings and conducting legal research.
  • Built and maintained a strong attorney-client relationship by offering genuine and timely legal advice.
  • Sharpened legal drafting, research and analytical skills.

Advocate

Eric Ntabo & Company Advocates
11.2008 - 06.2010
  • I worked as a supervisor for staff and conducted general office management.
  • I was actively engaged in drafting of pleadings, advising clients and prosecuting cases in various Court Stations, covering the Nyanza region.
  • A highly motivated staff through mentoring and sharing practical insights on case management and litigation.
  • Acquired extensive experience in criminal defence, Civil and commercial law, and land matters, thereby enhancing legal expertise.
  • Successfully managed a diverse portfolio of cases, achieving timely and favorable outcomes.
  • Built and maintained strong client relationships through professionalism, timely communication, and effective legal solutions.
  • Established a reputation for thorough preparation, strategic thinking, and courtroom advocacy, resulting in consistent client referrals.

Education

Master of Laws - Democracy, Law and Good Governance

University of Nairobi
12.2021

Certificate - Certified Professional Mediator

Mediation Training Institute, MTI (East Africa)
06.2019

Postgraduate Diploma - Human Resource Management

Kenya Institute of Management (KIM)
12.2009

Certificate - Postgraduate Diploma in Law

Kenya School of Law
01.2007

Bachelor of Laws -

Moi University
01.2006

Certificate - Secondary School Education (KCSE)

Butere Girls High School
01.2001

Certificate - Kenya Primary Education (KCPE)

Eregi Girls Boarding Primary
01.1997

Irungu Primary School
01.1995

Skills

  • Court procedures
  • Case management
  • Stakeholder collaboration
  • Employee mentoring
  • Conflict resolution
  • Regulatory compliance
  • Public speaking
  • Judicial decision-making

Certification

Professionally certified Mediator and a Diploma holder in Human Resource and Management.

Languages

English, Kiswahili, Ekegusii

References

  • Francis, Tuiyott, Hon. Justice, ftuiyott@gmail.com, 0722745726, Court of Appeal Judge, P.O. Box
  • P., Kassan, Hon. Justice, poghon@yahoo.com, 0720872723, High Court Judge, Kapenguria, P.O. Box 355
  • Lady Justice, Omange, Hon., omangej@yahoo.com, 0722402308, JUDGE-Environment and Land Court, P.O. Box 19045-00501
  • Scholastica, Omondi, Prof., somondi@uonbi.ac.ke, 0722233934, Senior Lecturer, School of Law University of Nairobi
  • Elijah, Makhamu, Dr., liason@adrakenya.org, 0723761931, Senior Advisor, Partnership ADRA, Kenya, Nairobi, P.O Box 76273-00508

Community Service

Served in the church as a leader in various capacities, which include chairlady for Pastors’ wives, Kakamega Station, Chairperson, Moi University Seventh Day Adventist, West Campus group., Currently serving as a member of the Board, Hope Channel Kenya and Adventist Media Centre, West Kenya Union Conference., Sit on the Board of Governors, Musakasa TTC in Bungoma and am a member of the Human Resource committee in the same Institution., Member of Better Life Organization, where we have supported many orphaned children and children from disadvantaged families by paying school fees and meeting school-related expenses., Supported church evangelistic campaigns by offering personal and financial resources., Offered pro bono legal services and made peer-reviewed paper presentations at the local University Conferences, focusing on Access to Justice., Offered talks in schools and other social groups.

Affiliations

A member of the International Association of Women Judges- Kenya Chapter (IAWJ), Kenya Magistrates and Judges Association (KMJA) and also a member of the Law Society of Kenya (LSK)

Publications

  • Published a research thesis entitled, “A Critical Analysis of Court-Annexed Mediation in Promoting Access to Justice in Kenya.” Available at the University of Nairobi repository http://erepository.uonbi.ac.ke/handle/11295/157245
  • 2nd National Conference on Access to Justice, organized by Egerton University between 2021-11-29 to 2021-12-04, at Lake Naivasha Simba Lodge. Theme: Access to Justice and Social Economic Crisis: Lessons from Covid-19 Pandemic. A paper presented by J.N. Maragia & Dr S. Omondi titled, “Access to Justice and Court–Annexed Mediation in the Context of COVID-19.”
  • 3rd National Legal Aid Conference on Access to Justice, organized by Egerton University between 2022-11-14 to 2022-11-19, at Lake Naivasha Simba Lodge. Theme: Access to Justice During Electioneering Period in Africa in the 21st Century. A paper presented by J.N. Maragia & Dr S. Omondi titled, “Assessing the Realization of the Right to Participation in Political Life for People Living with Disabilities in Kenya.”
  • 1st Annual Faculty of Law Research Conference, organized by the University of Nairobi between 2022-10-26 to 2022-10-27. Theme: Social-legal innovations for Achieving Sustainable Development. A paper presented virtually by J.N. Maragia and Prof S.Omondi titled, “Towards A Responsive and Sustainable Justice System: A Critical Analysis of the Alternative Dispute Resolution in Kenya. “
  • 2nd Annual Faculty of Law Research Conference at the University of Nairobi held on 2023-10-24 Theme: Law and Sustainability: Navigating Challenges and Fostering Resilient Communities A Paper presented by JN Maragia titled, “Access to Justice in Kenya: Addressing the Challenges of Legal Aid for Sustainable Development.”

Training

  • March 2025: Attending Annual Magistrates Colloquium (session 1) at Naivasha.
  • June 2024: Training on Conversation on Mobile technology & Emerging Issues in Digital arena & Technology for Judicial officers at Naivasha.
  • April 2023: Training on Uniformity in resentencing past Muruatetu: Emerging Jurisprudence and Best Practices for Judges.
  • Feb 2023: Attending Annual Magistrates and Kadhis Colloquium (session 1) at Naivasha.
  • November 2022: Training on Opportunities, Challenges and Emerging Trends in Remote Judging for Magistrates (Virtual).
  • October 2022: Training on Contemporary Issues in Criminal justice, procedure and Returns for Magistrates.
  • July 2022: Training for Registrars, Deputy Registrars, and Legal Researchers, Naivasha.
  • June 2022: Training on Election Disputes for Magistrates.
  • January 2022: Training on High Court Leaders Conference, Mombasa, (Virtually attended)
  • February, 25th – 29th 2020: Training on Leadership, Management and Integrity for Deputy Registrars.
  • Feb 10-12 2020: Training on Plea- Bargaining, Bail & Bond, Sentencing, Diversion and Alternatives to Death Sentence.
  • August 2019: Attending Mediation Finance and Administration Sub-Committee Retreat, Pride in Mombasa.
  • April 2019: Attending Court Annexed Mediation Retreat, Mombasa.
  • March 2019: Attending Annual Magistrates and Kadhis Colloquium.
  • 28th Nov -2nd Dec 2018: Attending Court Annexed Mediation Workshop.
  • October 2018- Attending Induction Course for Newly Appointed Deputy Registrars in Nairobi.
  • May 2018: Attending the Mediators induction Course in Kisumu.
  • 30th September to 5th October 2018: Attending Election Dispute Resolution Training (EDR) docket for Magistrates gazetted to hear Election Offences and Election Petitions during the 2017 General Elections and Sensitization of magistrates (SRMs and above) on ELC and ELRC matters at Maanzoni Lodge.
  • June 2018: Attending Annual Magistrates and Kadhis Colloquium.
  • March 2017: Training on Election Dispute Resolution for Magistrates.
  • 28th November - 2nd December 2017: Attending Continuous Judicial Education training.
  • June 2017: Attending Annual Magistrates Colloquium session.
  • 30th March, 2017– 1st April, 2017 - EDR training for special Magistrates on election offences.
  • March 2016: Attending Annual Magistrates and Kadhis Colloquium.
  • Dec 2015: Training for Continuous Judicial Education for Magistrates.
  • Dec 2015: Attending Continuous Judicial Education for Magistrates.
  • April 2015: Attending the 4th edition of Continuous Judicial Education training for Magistrates.
  • January 2013: Attended Training on Electoral Dispute Resolution
  • July 2012: Attended Training Course for Newly employed Magistrates, at Utalii Hotel, Nairobi.
  • April 2011: Attended an Induction Course for State Counsels.
  • 2018- 2023: Attended many workshops on the station work Plans Preparation, Financial planning and Management held at Nyeri, Kisumu, Naivasha and Kitale.

CORE VALUES & ATTRIBUTES

  • Honesty and integrity
  • A good listener
  • Soft but firm
  • Calm and Patient
  • Courageous
  • Resilient

COMMUNITY SERVICE ACTIVITIES and AWARDS

  • Awarded Certificate of Recognition by the Principal Judge and the Registrar High Court for dedicated service and exemplary Performance in the Management of the High Court, during a High Court Leaders Conference held in January 2022 at Mombasa.
  • Awarded a Certificate of Appreciation for Dedicated pro bono services by the Federation of Kenya Women Lawyers ( FIDA) in 2011.
  • Member Board of Governors at Musakasa Technical and Training Institute.
  • Member of the Adventist Media Board, Hope Channel Kenya.
  • Member of the Adventist Media Centre, West Kenya Union Conference
  • Member Board of Management, Chebwabi Adventist School from 2015 to 2017.
  • Chairperson, Moi University Adventist Group, West Campus from 2004 to 2006.
  • Member of a Community-Based Organization, known as Better Life, which focuses on supporting orphans, street children and disadvantaged families.
  • Supporting needy children by paying school fees.
  • Active member of the Seventh Day Adventist Church, Women's Ministries.
  • Mentored and supported my house helps in career growth and Development. One is now a trained teacher, and the one has obtained a Certificate in Food Catering and Management.
  • Mentored the young people on self-reliance Skills and career development.
  • Active member of the Seventh Day Adventist Church, Pastors’ Wives Ministries.
  • Supported many church evangelistic campaigns and planted churches.

Timeline

Principal Magistrate

Butali Law Courts
06.2023 - Current

Deputy Registrar and Magistrate

Kakamega High Court
01.2018 - 04.2023

Resident Magistrate

Busia Law Courts
06.2012 - 12.2017

State Counsel

State Law Office
05.2011 - 06.2012

Advocate

Kairu Mc Court & Company Advocates
07.2010 - 03.2011

Advocate

Eric Ntabo & Company Advocates
11.2008 - 06.2010

Master of Laws - Democracy, Law and Good Governance

University of Nairobi

Certificate - Certified Professional Mediator

Mediation Training Institute, MTI (East Africa)

Postgraduate Diploma - Human Resource Management

Kenya Institute of Management (KIM)

Certificate - Postgraduate Diploma in Law

Kenya School of Law

Bachelor of Laws -

Moi University

Certificate - Secondary School Education (KCSE)

Butere Girls High School

Certificate - Kenya Primary Education (KCPE)

Eregi Girls Boarding Primary

Irungu Primary School

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