In a groundbreaking move to strengthen Kenya’s criminal justice system, the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) has unveiled its Strategic Plan for 2023-2027.
This new roadmap outlines a clear and ambitious agenda to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of prosecution services, aligning short-term actions with long-term goals to support the country’s overall development framework.
During the launch, Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Renson Ingonga, emphasized that the plan would prioritize both immediate and long-term goals.
The ODPP’s strategic direction is not only focused on its internal growth but also on ensuring that its objectives are in line with Kenya’s broader national agenda.
“The Strategic Plan aligns short-term action plans to the long-term vision and strategic direction of the organization,” said DPP Ingonga.
He went on to explain that the ODPP’s plan, which spans four years, is intricately connected to national development priorities, such as Kenya Vision 2030 and the Fourth Medium Term Plan (MTP IV, 2023-2027).
Furthermore, it is deeply rooted in the Government’s Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda, reflecting a commitment to inclusivity and equity in justice.
Central to the success of this plan is the ODPP’s focus on continuous assessment and improvement.
DPP Ingonga outlined the importance of progress tracking and accountability, explaining that the office would employ various monitoring tools including monthly progress reports, quarterly reviews, annual evaluations, and mid-term assessments.
These reports will guide the office in refining its strategies and ensuring the efficient delivery of its services.
However, there is a significant resource challenge ahead.
The ODPP has projected a requirement of approximately Ksh.26.831 billion for the period of the Strategic Plan, against a budgetary allocation of Ksh.19.591 billion, resulting in a Ksh.7.24 billion shortfall.
Despite this, the DPP remains optimistic about overcoming this challenge through strategic financial planning and support from various partners.
Key to the success of the Strategic Plan is a focus on human resource capacity.
DPP Ingonga highlighted that continuous training and development would be prioritized, ensuring that staff are equipped with the necessary skills to handle the complexities of modern criminal justice.
This commitment to strengthening human resources underscores the ODPP’s vision of a 21st-century, people-centered prosecution service.
Collaboration will also be a critical pillar of the plan. DPP Ingonga spoke about the importance of strengthening inter-agency partnerships and reaffirmed the ODPP’s commitment to working alongside stakeholders in the criminal justice sector.
“We will seek to strengthen linkages and collaboration with all our partners and stakeholders which we have built over the years,” he said.
This collective effort aims to deliver an impartial, innovative, effective, and efficient prosecution service to all Kenyans.
The ODPP’s strategic vision also prioritizes the vigorous prosecution of corruption and economic crimes.
Over the years, the office has successfully handled numerous high-profile cases, including those of prominent figures such as James Humphrey Oswago, Wilson Kiprotich Shollei, and former Samburu Governor Moses Lenolkulal.
DPP Ingonga reaffirmed that corruption remains a priority, with ongoing efforts to expedite cases and bring those responsible for economic crimes to justice.
Furthermore, the DPP expressed a firm commitment to addressing other severe crimes, including murder, femicide, and gross human rights violations by law enforcement agencies.
“We understand the urgency of prosecuting cases related to murder, especially femicide, and the gross violation of human rights,” DPP Ingonga stated.
The office will focus on ensuring that these cases are handled with the sensitivity and urgency they require.
One of the most notable aspects of the new plan is its human rights-centered approach to prosecution.
The ODPP recognizes that the people of Kenya are its most critical stakeholders and has committed to upholding human rights principles in every case it handles.
This focus aligns with the broader objectives of the Vision 2030 framework, which seeks to build a just and equitable society for all Kenyans.
As DPP Ingonga concluded his remarks, he reinforced the office’s ambition to become a dynamic, adaptive organization that leads the way in criminal justice.
“We strive to be a criminal justice system leader and a dynamic organization that continually adapts to delivering effective outcomes for the people of Kenya,” he said.
With its 2023-2027 Strategic Plan, the ODPP is positioning itself to not only meet the challenges of the present but to anticipate and address the needs of the future.
Through a combination of strategic planning, robust partnerships, and a relentless focus on people-centered justice, the ODPP is poised to significantly enhance the criminal justice system and contribute meaningfully to Kenya’s broader development agenda.
