African Bar Association honours Supreme Court of Kenya for judicial excellence
The African Bar Association honoured Kenya’s Supreme Court for its groundbreaking rulings, constitutional integrity, and leadership in advancing democracy and the rule of law across Africa.
The Supreme Court of Kenya has been awarded the prestigious Medal of Merit for Judicial Excellence by the African Bar Association (AfBA) in recognition of its transformative jurisprudence, steadfast commitment to constitutionalism, and its role in strengthening democracy across the continent.
Chief Justice Martha Koome, who also serves as the President of the Supreme Court, received the honour during a ceremony attended by Deputy Chief Justice Philomena Mwilu and Justices Njoki Ndung'u, Isaac Lenaola, and William Ouko.
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The AfBA commended the Court for its “outstanding leadership in advancing transformative jurisprudence, upholding constitutional supremacy, and fortifying democratic governance” since its inception under the 2010 Constitution.
In her acceptance remarks, Chief Justice Koome described the recognition as both a celebration and a solemn reminder of the Judiciary’s duty to serve Kenyans with fairness and integrity.
Resonance beyond borders
“We are humbled that the work of the Supreme Court, born out of duty, guided by conscience, and anchored in the Constitution, has found resonance beyond our borders,” said the Chief Justice. “This recognition affirms not only the effort of one Court but the collective spirit of a nation that believes in the rule of law.”
She noted that the honour symbolised Kenya’s democratic maturity and reflected the public’s enduring trust in judicial institutions, even during moments of political tension.
“The trust placed in the Judiciary must be earned daily through fairness, integrity, and excellence,” she added.
Chief Justice Koome also lauded her colleagues on the Bench, emphasising that African courts are trailblazers in shaping modern legal thought.
“This award affirms that African courts are not merely followers of global justice, but leaders in shaping it,” she said.
Landmark rulings
In its citation, the AfBA highlighted several of the Supreme Court’s landmark rulings — among them the 2012 Advisory Opinion on the two-thirds gender rule, Rai v Rai, Peter Munya v Dickson Mwenda, and the 2017 and 2022 presidential election petitions. The association noted that these decisions “reinforced Kenya’s democracy and inspired confidence in electoral justice across the continent.”
The 2022 presidential petition ruling was particularly lauded as a “gold standard for judicial excellence in Africa,” credited with strengthening public confidence and safeguarding electoral integrity.
The award was presented by Advocate Charles Kihara, AfBA Vice President for East Africa, accompanied by Advocate Nicholas Sumba, Senior Counsel Charles Kanjama, and Senior Counsel Kamau Karori.
Headquartered in Accra, Ghana, the African Bar Association promotes the rule of law, judicial independence, and professional excellence throughout the continent.
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