Chief Justice Martha Koome reaffirmed the Judiciary’s unwavering commitment to eliminating corruption within the justice system, assuring members of the public and justice sector stakeholders that the Judiciary will continue to uphold the highest standards of integrity and accountability.

Speaking during an engagement with members of the Law Society of Kenya (LSK), and Court Users Committee (CUC) at the Kakamega Law Courts, the Chief Justice emphasized that there is no place for corruption in the Judiciary. She called on members of the Law Society of Kenya (LSK), through the Court Users Committee, to remain vigilant and promptly report any instances of corruption to facilitate swift and appropriate action.

The Chief Justice also explained that the deployment of judges and judicial officers is guided by data and service demand, ensuring that judicial personnel are assigned to stations where they are needed most to improve access to justice and enhance service delivery.

The Law Society of Kenya, Kakamega Branch, commended the Judiciary for maintaining a strong working relationship with advocates and other justice sector stakeholders in the county. The Society welcomed the establishment of the Court of Appeal station in Kakamega and the opening of the Khwisero Magistrates’ Court, noting that both initiatives have significantly improved access to justice for residents. The advocates also expressed appreciation for the posting of an Environment and Land Court Judge to Kakamega.

The LSK, however, urged the Judiciary to prioritize the operationalization of the proposed Likuyani Law Courts, observing that residents currently travel long distances to access court services. The Society further appealed for the restoration of the Navakholo Mobile Court, whose operations have ceased, to enhance access to justice for communities in the area.

Members of the Court Users Committee praised the Judiciary for fostering collaboration among justice sector institutions, noting that the partnership has strengthened the efficient delivery of justice within the county. The LSK further requested that the newly established Court of Appeal in Kakamega be adequately equipped with the necessary infrastructure and resources to support the timely and effective determination of appeals.

Director of Public Prosecutions Renson Ingonga highlighted the importance of collaboration among justice sector agencies, noting that the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions has established similar collaborative structures that complement the work of the Court Users Committees. He encouraged all CUC members to actively participate in committee meetings, describing them as critical platforms for resolving operational challenges and improving service delivery across the justice sector.

Representatives from the Witness Protection Agency commended the close partnership between the Judiciary and the Agency, reaffirming their commitment to safeguarding witnesses in support of the administration of justice. They also welcomed the gazettement of the Witness Protection Rules by the Chief Justice, noting that the regulations have strengthened and provided clear guidance for witness protection operations.

The engagement forms part of the Judiciary leadership’s continued nationwide consultations with court users, justice sector stakeholders and Judiciary staff aimed at enhancing service delivery, strengthening institutional collaboration and expanding access to justice for all Kenyans.