CJ Koome pledges timely justice, expanded access in 2025

Chief Justice Martha Koome has committed to ensuring timely justice and expanding access to judicial services in the coming year.

In her New Year message to Kenyans, she reflected on the challenges of 2024 and outlined her vision for the Judiciary in 2025.

“As we conclude the year 2024, I join fellow Kenyans in thanking God for protecting and preserving our country amidst very challenging times where we lost the precious lives of our young people, many were injured, and property destroyed. As we usher in the year 2025, I pray that we will be more reflective and that respect for the Constitution and the Bill of Rights will remain our true north with the realisation that every life matters,” she said.

Koome commended Kenyans for their belief in the rule of law and urged them to remain steadfast in championing justice.

Despite significant budgetary constraints in 2024, she highlighted the Judiciary’s achievements in reducing case backlogs and enhancing access to justice.

“This year, our focus on clearing case backlogs has yielded remarkable results. Our Case Clearance Rate (CCR) has improved significantly, with courts achieving a 99 per cent CCR, underscoring our steadfast commitment to delivering justice expeditiously,” she said.

Koome emphasised the decentralisation of judicial services, citing the establishment of five additional magistrate courts, bringing the total to 140.

She noted that the High Court also reviewed 27,257 cases in 2024, contributing to the release or transfer of 29,612 inmates, easing prison overcrowding.

Additionally, initiatives such as Mahakama Popote, which redistributes cases nationally, have helped mitigate a 52 per cent judicial staff deficit.

She however said resource limitations remain a challenge, with magistrates and judges handling workloads far above the recommended thresholds.

“Magistrates handle an average of 1,304 cases per person, while judges of superior courts handle 676 cases each—far exceeding the recommended workload of 700 cases per Judicial Officer or 120 cases per Judge to ensure trials conclude within three years and appeals within one year,” she explained.

Despite these hurdles, Koome expressed optimism about sustaining progress in the Judiciary. She praised the dedication of judges, judicial officers, and staff, attributing the year’s achievements to their commitment to excellence and service.

The Chief Justice also addressed the issue of corruption, urging a collective effort to tackle unethical practices within the Judiciary, the legal profession, and society.

“Corruption within the Judiciary cannot exist independently of corruption within the legal profession or broader society. Addressing this vice demands action at individual, family, community, and societal levels,” she said, highlighting the Judicial Service Commission’s (JSC) commitment to promoting accountability and integrity.

Looking ahead, Koome pledged to continue enhancing the quality of justice in Kenya while maintaining vigilance against threats to the Judiciary’s independence.

“As we step into 2025, I am confident that we will build on this momentum. Our focus will remain on enhancing the quality of justice for all Kenyans. We will continue to champion the principles of integrity and accountability, striving to make the Judiciary an efficient, people-centred, and service-oriented institution,” she said.

She called for unity and resilience, wishing Kenyans a peaceful and prosperous New Year.