By Dorothy Musyoka
In a move to reinforce integrity and public trust in Kenya’s justice system, Chief Justice Martha Koome has issued a nationwide directive requiring all courts to conduct daily morning briefings with court users.
Speaking at the launch of the Strategic Guiding Framework on Anti-Corruption in the Justice Sector, the Chief Justice reaffirmed the Judiciary’s unwavering commitment to rooting out corruption in all its forms.
“Today marks the culmination of a critical and deliberate journey one driven by our shared resolve to confront and root out corruption from the justice sector,” noted CJ Koome.
The Framework, spearheaded by the National Council on the Administration of Justice (NCAJ), is a landmark initiative that aligns with the resolutions of the Inaugural Heads of the Arms of Government Summit, convened by His Excellency President Dr. William Ruto, CGH, on 22nd January 2024.
At the Summit, the three arms of government pledged to forge a united front against corruption, tasking NCAJ with leading the fight within the justice sector.
“This milestone is not just the end of a process, but the beginning of a bold new chapter in our collective commitment to integrity, accountability, and justice,” the Chief Justice stated.
According to the Chief Justice, the framework is more than a policy document, it is a shared pledge by all justice sector institutions to uphold integrity, restore public trust, and reinforce the rule of law.
“It is more than a policy document; it is our shared pledge to strengthen integrity, restore public trust, and uphold the rule of law. Through this unified effort, we reaffirm our unwavering commitment to confront corruption at every turn—and to build a future in which justice remains a pillar of our national identity,” added the CJ.
To strengthen internal oversight, the Judiciary has established Court Integrity Committees in all court stations.
The Chief Justice urged all justice sector agencies, including the Law Society of Kenya, to actively participate in these committees and replicate similar structures within their institutions.
“By forging robust inter-agency collaboration and strategic partnerships, we can decisively curb corruption, enhance service delivery, and renew hope for our nation. This moment represents a pivotal opportunity to reshape our future,” CJ Koome remarked.
The Chief Justice emphasized that past siloed approaches have not yielded the desired results.
“I have long held the firm belief that the cancer of corruption can only be effectively addressed through a coordinated, inter-agency approach. The siloed methods we have employed in the past have not yielded the desired results. Today therefore marks the beginning of a new chapter in our collective quest to rid the justice sector of this pervasive vice,” noted CJ Koome.
However, with the full commitment of all justice sector actors, this initiative marks a turning point in the relentless pursuit of integrity, transparency, and the rule of law.