Martha Karambu Koome (born June 3, 1960) is a distinguished Kenyan jurist and legal scholar who serves as the Chief Justice of Kenya. She made history on May 21, 2021, when she was sworn in as the 15th Chief Justice of the Republic of Kenya and the first woman to ever hold the position. In this capacity, she also serves as the President of the Supreme Court of Kenya and the Chairperson of the Judicial Service Commission. Born in Kithiu village in the Meru District of Kenya, Koome was raised in a polygamous family as one of eighteen children. She received her early education at Our Lady Consolata Mugoiri Girls High School in Murang'a County. She pursued her legal studies at the University of Nairobi, graduating with a Bachelor of Laws (LL.B) degree in 1986. The following year, she attended the Kenya School of Law, where she earned a Post Graduate Diploma in Law. She was admitted to the Roll of Advocates of the High Court of Kenya in 1987. Later in her career, she expanded her academic credentials by obtaining a Master of Laws (LL.M) in Public International Law from the University of London in 2010. Koome’s legal career began in private practice, where she served as a legal associate at Mathenge and Muchemi Advocates from 1988 to 1992. She subsequently established her own firm, Martha Koome & Company Advocates, where she served as the managing partner until 2003. During her years in private practice, she distinguished herself as a passionate human rights defender. She was an active member of the Federation of Women Lawyers in Kenya (FIDA-Kenya), eventually serving as its Chairperson for two consecutive terms starting in 1997. She was a prominent advocate for constitutional reform in Kenya, playing a notable role in the campaign to repeal Section 2A of the Constitution, which had established a one-party state. Additionally, she represented political detainees and individuals charged with politically instigated offenses during the era of one-party rule, solidifying her reputation as a champion of judicial independence and gender rights. In 2003, Koome transitioned to the bench, appointed as a Judge of the High Court of Kenya. During her eight-year tenure, she served in various administrative roles, including as the Resident Judge in Nakuru and Kitale and as the head of the Land and Environment Division of the High Court in Nairobi. Her judicial career advanced in 2012 when she was appointed as a Judge of the Court of Appeal. During her time on the appellate bench, she chaired committees responsible for developing the Court of Appeal’s Practice Directions and standardizing registry operations. In 2021, the Judicial Service Commission initiated the search for a new Chief Justice following the retirement of David Maraga. After a rigorous public interview process, Koome was nominated for the position. Her nomination was approved by the National Assembly, and she was appointed by President Uhuru Kenyatta on May 19, 2021. She assumed office on May 21, 2021. As Chief Justice, Koome has focused on judicial reform, the digitization of court processes to clear case backlogs, and enhancing access to justice, particularly for children and vulnerable populations—a cause she championed prior to her elevation, which earned her a runner-up spot for the UN Kenya Person of the Year award in 2020. She is married to Koome Kiragu, and the couple has three children.