17
August
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A New Era of Justice: Judiciary Proposes Recovery Treatment Courts
The Chief Registrar of the Judiciary and Secretary to the National Council on the Administration of Justice (NCAJ), Hon. Winfridah Mokaya, presented the Judiciary’s proposal for the establishment of Recovery Treatment Courts during the Council’s 38th meeting, chaired by the Hon. Chief Justice Martha Koome.
Hon. Mokaya said the proposed specialised courts would adopt a problem solving approach by addressing the underlying causes of offending, including mental illness, substance use disorders, alcoholism, and other behavioural and social challenges, rather than focusing solely on punishment.
She noted that Recovery Treatment Courts bring together judges, prosecutors, defence counsel, probation officers, treatment providers, social workers and community agencies to develop individualized rehabilitation plans. Through structured treatment, regular judicial supervision and continuous monitoring, the model promotes accountability while supporting recovery and behavioural change.
The Chief Registrar emphasized that the proposed model seeks to reduce recidivism, enhance public safety, and advance a more humane, effective and people-centred administration of justice. She further proposed the establishment of a multi-agency committee to develop the framework for introducing the specialised courts in Kenya a proposal that was welcomed by the Council.
The Judiciary remains committed to working with justice sector institutions and development partners to strengthen access to justice through innovative, evidence-based and people-centred reforms.
We thank all our justice sector and development partners for their continued support in advancing NCAJ reforms and contributing to the success of the 38th NCAJ meeting.
