NAIROBI, Kenya — Kenya’s Chief Justice Martha Koome has launched the 2024/2025 Annual Report on the Administration of Justice, outlining progress in judicial reforms and unveiling a new framework designed to enhance transparency, accountability, and coordination across the country’s justice sector.
The report introduces a Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL) Guiding Framework, a tool aimed at tracking institutional performance and improving collaboration among actors in the justice system. The MEL framework is expected to help justice institutions identify service gaps, strengthen accountability, and ensure reforms remain citizen-focused.
The launch event brought together leaders from all arms of government, including Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen, Deputy Speaker Gladys Boss Shollei, Attorney General Dorcas Oduor, Inspector-General of Police Douglas Kanja, and representatives from Parliament, the Judiciary, and the Law Society of Kenya.
Interior CS Murkomen urged the Judiciary and security agencies to deepen coordination, warning that lenient bail policies for repeat and high-risk offenders could undermine public confidence.
“When bail terms are too lenient, the public loses faith in the justice system,” Murkomen said.
He also called for full digitization of justice services and increased support for Court Users’ Committees (CUCs), which promote citizen access to justice at the community level.
Chief Justice Koome, who chairs the National Council on the Administration of Justice (NCAJ), noted significant improvement in clearing court backlogs. The report shows:
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516,121 cases were filed
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509,664 cases were concluded
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Resulting in a 99% case clearance rate
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Overall backlogs reduced by 10%, with Kadhis’ Courts recording more than 80% reduction
Koome emphasized that reforms must remain grounded in transparency and constitutional independence.
“The Constitution defines my mandate. The separation of powers must be honored if justice is to flourish,” she affirmed.
Representing the Justice and Legal Affairs Committee (JLAC), Hon. Stephen Mogaka commended the Judiciary for coordinating state and non-state actors, noting the importance of strengthening CUCs and public participation in justice budgeting.
“Parliament’s role is to serve, listen to, and uphold the voices of the people,” Mogaka said.
Despite progress, the report highlights a KSh 87 billion funding deficit, limiting court infrastructure, staffing, and technology investment.
The report and MEL framework have drawn regional attention, aligning with the African Union’s 2030 Agenda for People-Centred Justice. Many African countries continue to contend with case backlogs, limited data, and public mistrust. Kenya’s approach — emphasizing transparency, digital integration, and grassroots participation — is being watched closely across the continent.
A regional governance analyst observing the launch noted:
“Kenya’s strategy reflects a developing justice ecosystem — one balancing independence with accountability and performance with accessibility.”
Chief Justice Koome concluded by underscoring that justice reform is a long-term journey.
“Justice reform is not a one-time event but an ongoing journey. Every African nation must embark on this path to create societies founded on fairness, dignity, and the rule of law.”
With the release of the 2024/25 report, Kenya positions itself as a leader in justice innovation and democratic accountability—offering a practical road map for African nations seeking to strengthen the rule of law and public trust.
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