NAIROBI, Kenya — Chief Justice Martha Koome has called on Kenya’s newly admitted advocates to prioritize the needs of marginalized and vulnerable members of society, emphasizing their role as key players in bridging the country’s “justice gap.”
Speaking during the admission ceremony for over 800 lawyers at the Supreme Court in Nairobi, Koome urged the legal professionals to extend their services beyond the courtroom to provide critical support for underserved groups, including victims of gender-based violence, children, and marginalized communities.
“Access to justice is often equated to court representation, yet many cannot afford competent legal services,” Koome said. “Advocates in Kenya must go beyond what is expected in other jurisdictions. By addressing this justice gap, you contribute to building a fairer society.”
The Chief Justice highlighted the broader responsibilities of legal practitioners, describing them as “social engineers, defenders of the underprivileged, and agents of change.”
She called on the new advocates to uphold integrity, courage, and unwavering commitment in their professional and personal lives.
“Your role extends beyond legal representation. This is not merely a profession but a calling,” Koome said, challenging the advocates to tackle systemic issues that perpetuate inequality and injustice.
Koome also reiterated the Judiciary’s firm stance against corruption, encouraging the public to report any misconduct by judges, judicial officers, or court staff. She assured swift and transparent action on such complaints.
“We are committed to dealing firmly, swiftly, and fairly with any allegations of corruption within the Judiciary,” she said, urging the new lawyers to hold themselves and their colleagues accountable.
The Chief Justice did not shy away from addressing unethical behavior within the legal profession.
She criticized advocates who mishandle client funds or exploit vulnerable clients, such as accident victims and widows, for personal gain.
“Such practices undermine public trust in the legal profession. Let your generation of advocates put an end to this misconduct,” Koome warned.
Acknowledging the dynamic nature of the legal field, Koome encouraged the advocates to commit to continuous learning, embrace innovation, and align with global best practices to remain effective in serving the public.
Speaking during the admission ceremony for over 800 lawyers at the Supreme Court in Nairobi, Koome urged the legal professionals to extend their services beyond the courtroom to provide critical support for underserved groups, including victims of gender-based violence, children, and marginalized communities.
“Access to justice is often equated to court representation, yet many cannot afford competent legal services,” Koome said. “Advocates in Kenya must go beyond what is expected in other jurisdictions. By addressing this justice gap, you contribute to building a fairer society.”
The Chief Justice highlighted the broader responsibilities of legal practitioners, describing them as “social engineers, defenders of the underprivileged, and agents of change.”
She called on the new advocates to uphold integrity, courage, and unwavering commitment in their professional and personal lives.
“Your role extends beyond legal representation. This is not merely a profession but a calling,” Koome said, challenging the advocates to tackle systemic issues that perpetuate inequality and injustice.
Koome also reiterated the Judiciary’s firm stance against corruption, encouraging the public to report any misconduct by judges, judicial officers, or court staff. She assured swift and transparent action on such complaints.
“We are committed to dealing firmly, swiftly, and fairly with any allegations of corruption within the Judiciary,” she said, urging the new lawyers to hold themselves and their colleagues accountable.
The Chief Justice did not shy away from addressing unethical behavior within the legal profession.
She criticized advocates who mishandle client funds or exploit vulnerable clients, such as accident victims and widows, for personal gain.
“Such practices undermine public trust in the legal profession. Let your generation of advocates put an end to this misconduct,” Koome warned.
Acknowledging the dynamic nature of the legal field, Koome encouraged the advocates to commit to continuous learning, embrace innovation, and align with global best practices to remain effective in serving the public.
