Koome's Vision for a Transformed Judiciary

Chief Justice Martha Koome, the 15th Chief Justice of Kenya and the first woman to hold the office, is focused on leaving a legacy defined by a judiciary that is accessible, efficient, and accountable to all Kenyans. Her vision, dubbed 'Social Transformation through Access to Justice (STAJ),' aims to guide reforms until 2033.

A key pillar of this vision is the enhancement of judicial independence and the expansion of justice delivery across the country. The Chief Justice has consistently emphasised the 2010 Constitution as a transformative charter that has revolutionised governance, justice delivery, and institutional accountability in Kenya.

Latest Developments in Judicial Reforms

In a significant move to bolster judicial efficiency, Chief Justice Koome recently gazetted the appointment of over 200 magistrates across Kenya. These magistrates are designated to preside over specialised cases, including corruption, economic crimes, environmental and land disputes, and employment and labour relations. This initiative, announced on Friday, October 10, 2025, is part of ongoing reforms to streamline case management and ensure that complex matters are handled by judicial officers with appropriate expertise.

Among the appointments, six magistrates will specifically handle anti-corruption and economic crimes cases, while 58 have been assigned to environment and land-related disputes. The largest group, comprising 144 magistrates, will address employment and labour relations matters, particularly those involving contracts where the employee's gross monthly pay does not exceed KSh 80,000.

Historical Context and Policy Framework

The Judiciary's reform journey has been guided by successive frameworks, beginning with the Judiciary Transformation Framework (JTF) under former Chief Justice Willy Mutunga, followed by Sustaining Judiciary Transformation (SJT) under retired Chief Justice David Maraga, and now the ongoing STAJ strategy. These frameworks have collectively aimed at strengthening judicial independence, developing transformative jurisprudence, and expanding access to justice.

Chief Justice Koome has highlighted the expansion of court infrastructure, with High Court stations and registries now established in all 47 counties, and the operationalisation of 138 Magistrate courts. The decentralisation of the Court of Appeal to regions like Kisumu, Nakuru, Nyeri, and Mombasa, alongside the establishment of 38 Small Claims Courts, further underscores the commitment to bringing justice closer to Kenyans.

Technological Integration and Case Management

Digitisation has been a transformative reform under Chief Justice Koome's leadership. The e-filing system, launched in Nairobi in 2020 and extended nationwide by 2024, has replaced paper-based processes. This allows litigants to file cases, pay fees, and attend hearings virtually, significantly modernising service delivery and reducing delays.

The Judiciary has also focused on improving case management to tackle the perennial challenge of case backlog. This includes intensifying efforts to ensure court users are not subjected to delays and administrative inefficiencies.

Evidence and Data on Performance

The Judiciary has demonstrated an upward trajectory in its performance. According to the Performance Management and Measurement Understandings Evaluation Report (PMMU) 2022/2023, the overall performance of the Judiciary improved from 93.71 per cent in 2021/2022 to 97.26 per cent. The case clearance rate also saw a notable improvement, rising from 94 per cent in 2021/2022 to 99 per cent.

In the 2023/2024 financial year, the Judiciary recorded a 99 percent case clearance rate, resolving 509,664 out of 516,121 new cases filed. This led to a 10 percent reduction in the overall case backlog, with significant reductions in the Employment and Labour Relations Court (37%), Environment and Land Court (20%), Tribunals (29%), and Kadhis' Courts (82%).

Addressing Integrity and Public Trust

Chief Justice Koome has acknowledged public scrutiny regarding timelines and integrity within the Judiciary. To address this, court integrity committees are being rolled out across all court stations. These committees are designed as inclusive platforms for judges, judicial officers, advocates, and other stakeholders to address unethical behaviour, marking a historic step in tackling corruption within the Judiciary.

The Chief Justice has consistently urged Kenyans to report any cases of corruption, including within the Judiciary, emphasising that integrity is central to achieving national development goals.

Challenges and Unanswered Questions

Despite significant strides, challenges persist, including underfunding and threats to judicial independence, such as online harassment and misinformation campaigns. Chief Justice Koome has lamented that the Judiciary receives less than one percent of the national budget, despite its critical mandate. The long-term impact of these budgetary constraints on the sustainability of reforms remains a key concern.

What to Watch

The ongoing implementation of the Social Transformation through Access to Justice (STAJ) strategy will be crucial in determining the long-term impact of Chief Justice Koome's reforms. The effectiveness of the newly appointed specialised magistrates in reducing case backlogs and enhancing the efficiency of justice delivery in specific areas will be closely watched. Furthermore, the Judiciary's continued efforts to secure adequate budgetary allocation will be vital for sustaining the momentum of these transformative initiatives.