JUDICIARY ADOPTS NEW STRATEGY TO FIGHT CORRUPTION
Chief Justice Martha Koome has announced a change of strategy in fighting corruption in the Judiciary. Speaking while virtually opening the Magistrates and Kadhis annual colloquium being held in Naivasha, CJ Koome said the Judiciary has partnered with the Ethics and Anti Corruption Commission and National Intelligence Service and adopted an intelligence- based model in a renewed fight against corruption. “The new approach will help us to identify patterns, hotspots and individuals who may be involved in corrupt practices and to intervene early,” she said.
The new intelligence-based model will bolster the already existing approaches to fighting corruption. She said the model has been adopted with a view to protectingthe integrity of the institution and to create a culture where corruption cannot thrive.
The CJ further announced the roll out of Court Integrity Committees across all court stations. She emphasized that “these committees are designed as inclusive platforms for judicial officers, advocates and stakeholders to raise concerns, share observations, and collaborate in addressing unethical behaviour.”
The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission will provide guidance and training to the CICs.
She urged the judicial officers to ensure that the Court Integrity Committees become the engines for driving ethical conduct and reinforcing public confidence in the justice system.
The Chief Justice Koome expressed concern over allegations of corruption in some court stations. “These allegations are deeply concerning and cannot be ignored. I want to state unequivocally that the Judiciary is a corruption-free zone. We have adopted a zero-tolerance policy to corruption, and we are determined to enforce it without fear or favour,” she asserted.
Speaking on the theme of the colloquium which is ‘Digital Transformation, Technology and the Law’—the CJ affirmed the Judiciary’s commitment to leveraging technology to transform justice delivery. She urged the judicial officers to take the lead in adopting and making use of the available digital tools – including e-filing, virtual courts and transcription services – and nurture a culture of innovation and continuous improvement.
In a bid to address delayed justice, the CJ called on the judicial officers to avoid unnecessary adjournment of matters, noting that it is a major concern among court users. She applauded the courts that have recorded the least number of adjournments in the last seven months namely: Kakamega, Kilungu, Kibera, Kikuyu, and Kenol Magistrates Courts. Kadhis Courts equally recognized were Lamu, Ijara, and Marsabit Kadhis courts. She said their commitment to timely and efficient justice is admirable and should serve as a benchmark for others.
The CJ announced that at the national level, the National Council on the Administration of Justice (NCAJ) is launching the Justice Sector’s Anti-Corruption Strategic Guiding Framework, a sector-wide initiative that brings together all justice actors—from the police, to prosecution, the EACC, and correctional services—in a unified stance against corruption.
Speaking during the same forum, on ‘Tech Justice’ the Director General of Kenya Judiciary Academy Justice Dr. Smokin Wanjala underscored the need for capacity building of Judicial officers through Judicial Training in the Digital Age.
“Judicial training in technology and the law is crucial to equip judges and judicial officers with the tools needed to navigate complex legal issues that intersect with modern technology,” he said.
The CJ concluded by reminding the participants of their high calling. “We are not just judicial officers – we are leaders in our communities, custodians of constitutional values, and agents of transformation. Let us lead with humility, serve with integrity, and carry out our mandate with diligence. Let us recommit to ensuring that every Kenyan who walks into our courts leaves with their dignity affirmed, their rights protected, and their confidence in justice strengthened,” she said.