NAIROBI, Kenya – The King and Queen of the Netherlands, Willem-Alexander and Máxima, on Thursday visited the Supreme Court of Kenya, reinforcing the strong diplomatic and judicial ties between Kenya and the Netherlands.
Hosted by Chief Justice Martha Koome, the royal visit highlighted shared commitments to the rule of law, democracy, and access to justice.
Koome reaffirmed the Judiciary’s independence, stressing that impartial courts are essential for national stability.
“An independent judiciary is the cornerstone of democracy, protecting the Constitution, ensuring fair trials, and safeguarding citizens’ rights and freedoms,” Koome stated.
The discussion also focused on people-centred justice, an area where the Dutch government has been a strong ally.
Through support from the International Development Law Organisation (IDLO), Kenya has introduced transformative judicial initiatives aimed at improving access to justice.
One such initiative is the specialised Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) courts, which use trauma-informed approaches to provide a safe and efficient environment for survivors seeking justice.
Additionally, Koome highlighted the Small Claims Court, a key reform that has expedited commercial dispute resolution, especially for small and medium enterprises (SMEs).
This, she noted, has enhanced economic growth by ensuring swift and affordable justice.
The visit also shone a spotlight on female leadership in Kenya’s justice sector, with CJ Koome being joined by Supreme Court Judge Njoki Ndung’u, Attorney General Dorcas Oduor, and Law Society of Kenya (LSK) President Faith Odhiambo.
The high-ranking female delegation underscored Kenya’s growing strides in gender inclusivity within the judiciary.
Koome reiterated the Judiciary’s commitment to fighting corruption, promoting climate justice, and addressing misuse of police powers, areas where Dutch-Kenyan cooperation continues to strengthen judicial accountability.
The Dutch royals also toured the Judiciary Museum, located in the basement of the Supreme Court Building, where they gained insight into Kenya’s legal heritage and the Judiciary’s role in constitutional and democratic reforms.
