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CJ Martha Koome named African Female Leader of the year 2023

Chief Justice Martha Koome named the African Female Leader of the Year 2023, during the African persons of the year award in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

By Lucy Mumbi | 16 Mar 2024

Koome was voted for her trailblazing leadership as the first female Chief Justice of Kenya, as well as her accomplishments in the Judiciary.

Chief Justice Martha Koome has been feted as the African Female Leader of the Year 2023, during the African Persons of the Year award in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

The African Persons of the Year Awards organised by the African Leadership Magazine celebrates individuals who contribute significantly to the continent’s advancement, inspire the future and positively transform the continent’s image on the global stage.

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Koome was voted for her trailblazing leadership as the first female Chief Justice of Kenya, and her accomplishments in the judiciary.

Particularly, she was acknowledged for improving access to justice, promoting gender equality within the legal system, and advancing judicial reforms to strengthen the rule of law in Kenya.

In her remarks following the acceptance of the award, Koome stressed that the recognition wasn't solely attributed to her, but rather symbolized the collective efforts and perseverance of individuals striving for excellence throughout the continent.

"This award is not mine alone to claim. It is an honour that I wholeheartedly dedicate to the institution I have the privilege to lead, the Judiciary of Kenya. This acknowledgement illuminates our joint endeavour to build a justice system that genuinely prioritizes the needs of the people," she said.

She also underscored the significance of recommitting efforts to Africa's development and nurturing a culture of excellence.

“This recognition motivates us to persist in our pursuit of leadership excellence and to continuously enhance the quality of service delivery within our institutions. It serves as a call to action for each of us to remain unwavering in our endeavours for the progress of our continent and its people,” she said.

Additionally, she called for a renewed dedication to Africa's advancement, stressing the necessity for systems and institutions that genuinely serve the interests of all.

“Together, we can forge a brighter and more prosperous future for Africa," she affirmed.

CJ Koome has been at the forefront of improving access to justice in the country.

Recently, she launched e-filing in all courts nationwide and directed that no court should print pleadings and documents from July 1, 2024.

She also unveiled a new Causelist Portal where litigants and advocates can get information on cases listed for the day.

Additionally, she launched a data tracking dashboard that will assist judiciary leaders in monitoring case processing within courts from filing to conclusion.

She noted that the judiciary’s goal is to enhance productivity, automate processes, digitise services and establish a paperless environment thereby making justice more accessible and reducing the geographical barriers to accessing justice.

Other leaders who have been awarded the African Persons of the Year Awards in the past include; Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, former Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan, Rwanda President Paul Kagame, Sudanese Businessman Mo Ibrahim, Atiku Abubakar, former Vice President of Nigeria and Director General World Health Organisation Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.