NAIROBI, Kenya — Justice sector leaders have raised concerns over rising road fatalities, femicide cases, and increasing criminal activities during the 37th meeting of the National Council on the Administration of Justice held in Nairobi.
The meeting, chaired by Chief Justice Martha Koome at the Safari Park Hotel, brought together key justice sector institutions to review challenges affecting the administration of justice and public safety.
The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions was represented by Jacinta Nyamosi on behalf of Director of Public Prosecutions Renson Ingonga, who also serves as the council’s vice chairperson.
Koome Raises Alarm Over Road Deaths and Femicide
In her opening remarks, Koome commended justice sector agencies for improving service delivery but warned that several challenges continue to undermine access to justice in the country.
She noted that the country had witnessed an increase in deaths linked to road traffic accidents at the beginning of the year, prompting the need for stronger inter-agency coordination and reforms in traffic management.
The Chief Justice also highlighted the growing concern over femicide and gender-based violence cases across the country.
According to Koome, the government had already constituted a presidential task force that conducted nationwide consultations and prepared recommendations aimed at addressing the vice.
Concern Over Goonism and Criminal Activity
The Chief Justice further warned about increasing cases of goonism and criminal activities threatening public safety and national order.
She urged justice sector institutions to strengthen both individual and joint interventions in responding to emerging security threats.
Koome stressed that effective coordination among justice agencies remains critical in improving accountability, public confidence, and the rule of law.
Traffic and Sexual Offences Discussions
During the meeting, council members deliberated on several policy and operational presentations touching on key justice sector concerns.
Among the issues discussed were Standard Operating Procedures on traffic management designed to improve coordination among agencies handling traffic incidents and road safety enforcement.
Members also reviewed government statistical data on sexual offences in Kenya, with discussions focusing on prevention strategies, victim support systems, and institutional cooperation within the criminal justice system.
Participants underscored the need for stronger preventive measures and enhanced collaboration between investigative, prosecutorial, and judicial agencies in handling sexual and gender-based violence cases.
Push for Coordinated Justice Reforms
The NCAJ meeting comes amid broader efforts by the Judiciary and other justice sector agencies to improve efficiency, coordination, and access to justice across the country.
The council plays a central role in harmonising operations among institutions involved in Kenya’s justice system, including the Judiciary, prosecution, police, prisons, and oversight agencies.
