Quantifying Case Flow Efficiency in Kenya’s Employment and Labour Relations Courts: A Multi-Stage Queueing Model Approach

Judicial efficiency is a key pillar for timely justice delivery and socio-economic stability. This study applies a Multi-Stage Queueing Model to assess case flow efficiency in Kenya’s Employment and Labour Relations Court (ELRC). By analyzing five years of caseload data (FY2019/20–2023/24), the study models each stage, filing, pre-trial, hearing, determination, and execution/appeals, as an M/M/c system. The analysis reveals significant bottlenecks at the pre-trial and determination stages, with server utilization rates exceeding 90% and average waiting times far above acceptable thresholds. Conversely, the filing and execution stages exhibited relatively smooth flow with lower congestion levels. These findings highlight imbalances in resource allocation and process design. The study offers a data-driven framework for optimizing judicial operations, reducing backlogs, and improving service delivery in the ELRC.