NAIROBI, Kenya — Director of Public Prosecutions Renson Ingonga has commended the Judiciary for its progress in improving service delivery, reducing case backlogs and expanding access to justice, describing the institution’s latest performance evaluation as a significant milestone in Kenya’s justice sector reforms.
Speaking during the launch of the 2024/2025 Judiciary Performance Management and Measurement Understandings Evaluation Report, Ingonga said the completion of the Judiciary’s 10th cycle of performance management demonstrated a strong commitment to accountability, continuous improvement and evidence-based decision-making.
He praised the Judiciary’s efforts to enhance efficiency through increased case clearance rates, improved productivity and the adoption of technology to streamline court processes.
“The completion of the 10th Cycle of Performance Management Implementation in the Judiciary is a major milestone that reflects the institution’s commitment to accountability, continuous improvement and evidence-based decision-making,” Ingonga said.
Digital transformation boosts efficiency
The DPP highlighted the Judiciary’s investment in digital technologies, including virtual courts, e-Filing, digital transcription services and the Case Tracking System, saying the innovations have improved the delivery of justice across the country.
He noted that integration between some of the Judiciary’s digital platforms and the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions’ Uadilifu Case Management System has strengthened coordination and information sharing within the criminal justice system.
Ingonga also welcomed the expansion of judicial infrastructure through the establishment of new courts and sub-registries, saying the move has brought judicial services closer to Kenyans and improved access to justice.
Focus on reducing case backlogs
The DPP reaffirmed the prosecution office’s commitment to working with the Judiciary and other justice sector institutions to address case delays through alternative dispute resolution mechanisms within criminal proceedings.
He said the ODPP would continue promoting plea bargaining and diversion programmes where appropriate to ease pressure on the courts while ensuring fair and timely determination of criminal cases.
Ingonga further called on justice sector stakeholders to sustain reforms aimed at building a justice system that is accessible, responsive, accountable and centred on the needs of the public.
“True justice is not measured only by the decisions rendered, but by the confidence, dignity and relief it brings to the people we serve,” he said.
The collaboration between the Judiciary and the ODPP also aligns with broader criminal justice reforms intended to strengthen inter-agency coordination, promote the use of technology and enhance the timely resolution of cases across Kenya’s courts.