NAIROBI, Kenya — Chief Justice Martha Koome has raised concern over declining public confidence in Kenya’s justice system, revealing that a majority of citizens avoid taking their disputes to court due to mistrust and fear of the process.
Speaking during the 22nd East Africa Magistrates and Judges Association (EAMJA) Annual Conference in Nairobi, Koome said only 10pc of Kenyans trust the courts enough to seek legal redress, a figure she described as alarming for a country that prides itself on constitutionalism and the rule of law.
“Many Kenyans are choosing not to bring their cases to court,” she said. “Some believe the process is too slow, too expensive, or that fairness is not guaranteed.”
Koome added that nearly 19pc of Kenyans experience significant legal problems each year but never pursue justice through formal institutions, often opting to “die with their problems” due to frustration or fear of engaging with the justice system.
She attributed the low trust levels to systemic delays, inefficiencies, and perceptions of corruption, and called for urgent reforms to make the judiciary more accessible, transparent, and responsive.
The Chief Justice said ongoing initiatives—such as digital case filing, small-claims courts and community justice programmes—were part of broader efforts to restore public confidence and ensure justice is not reserved for the privileged.
Koome urged Kenyans to reclaim faith in the courts, saying the Judiciary remains committed to delivering impartial justice and strengthening the country’s democratic foundations.
