Chief Justice (CJ) 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 (EACC) 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,” highlighted the CJ, adding that the new intelligence-based model will bolster the already existing approaches to fighting corruption.
Further, she affirmed that the model has been adopted with a view to protecting the integrity of the institution and to creating a culture where corruption cannot thrive.
The CJ further announced the rollout of Court Integrity Committees across all court stations. “These committees are designed as inclusive platforms for judicial officers, advocates and stakeholders to raise concerns, share observations, and collaborate in addressing unethical behaviour,” she emphasized.
Announcing that the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission will provide guidance and training to the CICs, Koome 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.
However, the CJ expressed concern over allegations of corruption in some court stations, asserting, “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.”
On the colloquium’ theme of ‘Digital Transformation, Technology and the Law’ Koome 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.
Nevertheless, 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 courts where she commended their commitment to timely and efficient justice as admirable and should serve as a benchmark for others.
Likewise, 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 (KJA) 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.
In addition to the intersection of technology and law, Dr. Wanjala specified that the colloquium explores Judicial Training in the Digital Age to equip judges with the tools needed to navigate complex legal issues that intersect with modern technology.
“We must ensure that technological developments do not exacerbate existing inequalities or introduce new forms of injustice,” he added, stressing that technology must always be guided by a commitment to human rights, equity, and non-discrimination.
Looking into the future, Dr. Wanjala maintained that tech justice is not only about adapting to technology but also ensuring that the law evolves alongside it to protect and promote justice.
Further, he introduced the Inaugural Annual Magisterial Oration which will mark not only the beginning of a new tradition but also an opportunity for judicial officers to write and publish articles and research work.
According to the Supreme Court Judge, KJA will in turn provide the platform for research and publication.
Additionally, Dr. Wanjala disclosed that KJA is also developing its masterplan and is drafting the KJA Bill to anchor the academy into law and provide for its administration.
“The world is changing at an extraordinary pace, but we have the opportunity and the responsibility to ensure that the law remains a pillar of fairness, equity, and justice. Through training, collaboration, and a commitment to ethical principles, we can embrace the challenges and opportunities of the digital age while safeguarding the rights of all individuals,” he implored.
By Michael Omondi
