NAIROBI, Kenya — Chief Justice Martha Koome has called on institutions in Kenya’s justice sector to strengthen their Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) systems to ensure that ongoing reforms deliver measurable impact and improve service delivery.
Speaking during the launch of the Administration of Justice in Kenya Annual Report 2024–2025 and the Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL) Guiding Framework, Justice Koome said the framework marks a shift toward evidence-based governance within the justice system.
“By institutionalising monitoring, evaluation, and learning across all justice sector agencies, we ensure that progress is not left to perception and rhetoric but is anchored in measurable outcomes,” said Koome. “This is a significant step toward rebuilding public trust and demonstrating the tangible value of reform to the people we serve.”
The Chief Justice said the report highlights key milestones, including two new frameworks — the Anti-Corruption Strategic Guiding Framework for Kenya’s Justice Sector and the Strategic Guiding Framework for Greening the Justice Sector.
According to Koome, the anti-corruption framework adopts a multi-agency approach to detect and prevent economic crimes, while the greening framework integrates environmental sustainability into justice operations.
She added that the report documents progress in institutional capacity-building through human resource development, ICT integration, infrastructure investment, and better financial management.
Koome also underscored the vital role of Court Users Committees and grassroots initiatives in enhancing access to justice.
The Chief Justice urged Parliament to prioritise the passage of the National Council on the Administration of Justice (NCAJ) Bill, which she said will strengthen coordination across justice institutions.
She also called for expedited debate on the Penal Code and Criminal Procedure Code Amendment Bills, which are currently under review.
Justice Koome reaffirmed the Judiciary’s commitment to digital transformation, saying data-driven systems would promote transparency and accountability.
“Our goal is to enhance digital integration and ensure ICT systems across the justice sector are interoperable for more efficient service delivery,” she said.
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen, who attended the event, pledged the Executive’s support for ongoing reforms, calling for collaboration among the three arms of government.
“Our arms of government are like the legs of a stool — each critical in its own way but not useful without the others. The Judiciary, Legislature, and Executive must complement each other for democracy to thrive,” Murkomen said.
Chief Registrar of the Judiciary Winfridah Mokaya decried persistent funding gaps, noting that the sector received only Sh196.4 billion out of the Sh327.5 billion requested for the 2024/2025 financial year — leaving a deficit of Sh131.1 billion.
She warned that underfunding continues to undermine justice delivery and create disparities among interdependent agencies.
The launch brought together senior officials from the justice sector, development partners, and members of Parliament, with speakers stressing the importance of collaborative, data-driven reforms to strengthen Kenya’s justice system.
