Justice must not only be done in the courtroom; it must be seen in the corridors of power. Chief Justice Martha Koome has taken a decisive step to sanitize the inner workings of the Judiciary, launching two specialized enforcement units designed to root out workplace harassment, discrimination, and the culture of silence that often protects perpetrators.

In a historic move at the Supreme Court, CJ Koome unveiled the Employee Protection Unit (EPU) and the Gender Inclusion and Diversity Unit (GIDU). These are not just bureaucratic additions; they are the teeth of a new policy framework aimed at ensuring that judges, magistrates, and judicial staff can work in an environment free from intimidation and sexual misconduct. "Accountability is mandatory," Koome declared, signaling the end of the era where internal grievances were swept under the Persian rugs of the halls of justice.

From Policy to Practice

The launch represents a shift from "paper commitments" to "institutional accountability." For too long, large institutions in Kenya have paid lip service to gender equity while ignoring the rot within. The EPU provides a confidential, secure channel for reporting misconduct, crucial in a hierarchical system where junior staff often fear retribution from their superiors.

"An institution that protects its people commands confidence," Koome stated. She emphasized that the moral authority of the Judiciary relies on its ability to treat its own employees with the same dignity it promises to the public.

• The STAJ Blueprint: These reforms are anchored in the "Social Transformation through Access to Justice" (STAJ) blueprint, which recognizes that employee wellness is a pillar of judicial performance.
• Confidentiality: The new units are designed to be survivor-centered, ensuring that victims of sexual harassment can come forward without the fear of being victim-shamed or professionally sabotaged.
• Leadership Buy-in: Supreme Court Judge Njoki Ndung'u, chair of the committee, affirmed that these are legal obligations, not just administrative guidelines.

A New Standard

This initiative sets a precedent for other arms of government. If the Judiciary—the guardian of the Constitution—can admit to its internal vulnerabilities and build structures to fix them, it challenges the Executive and Parliament to follow suit. CJ Koome is effectively cleaning house, ensuring that the hands dispensing justice are clean.

As these units become operational, the message to every judicial officer is clear: the robe and gavel offer no immunity against harassment. Respect is now a condition of employment.