Chief Justice Martha Koome has taken a bold stand in the fight against corruption within Kenya’s justice system, unveiling a comprehensive Anti-Corruption Strategic Guiding Framework aimed at promoting transparency, accountability, and efficiency in the sector.
Addressing a gathering of key stakeholders in the judicial process on Tuesday March 25,2025 in Nairobi, Koome emphasized that corruption would not be tolerated within the Judiciary.
She declared, “The Judiciary is a corruption-free zone, and we must implement this policy in both deed and word. We must prove that our commitment to justice is unwavering, not only in our laws but in our actions.”
The framework, which is designed to create clear and structured interventions across short, mid, and long-term objectives, marks a pivotal step toward fighting corruption and improving case management in Kenyan courts.
Koome stressed the importance of collaboration among Justice Sector Agencies, saying that unity and shared responsibility would be critical in overcoming the barriers of corruption.
“As duty-bearers, we have a moral and legal obligation to restore public confidence in our system. This is not just about legal reforms; it is about safeguarding our national values and ensuring that justice prevails for all Kenyans,” said Koome.
A key component of the strategy is the establishment of Court Integrity Committees at all levels of the Judiciary. These committees are tasked with identifying and addressing potential corruption risks at the grassroots level.
Koome urged other agencies within the National Council on the Administration of Justice (NCAJ) to also set up similar committees to ensure a holistic approach to tackling corruption within the sector.
The CJ’s remarks were supported by Chief Registrar of the Judiciary, Winfridah Mokaya, who called on justice sector players to lead by example.
“Our collective actions will determine whether we restore trust in our justice system. This framework provides the foundation to fight corruption and deliver justice without bias, undue influence, or unethical conduct,” Mokaya stated.
Also present at the event, National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetangula expressed his full support for the initiative, noting that the framework would enhance accountability and foster sustainable socio-economic development by improving the efficiency of the justice system.
“This framework is a blueprint for restoring trust in our courts, and we must work together to ensure its success,” Wetangula remarked.
Meanwhile, National Treasury and Economic Planning Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi emphasized the detrimental effects of corruption on the nation, linking it directly to the erosion of the rule of law and the empowerment of criminal syndicates.
He highlighted the importance of reinvesting proceeds recovered from corruption back into the justice sector.
“Corruption doesn’t just steal money—it robs us of our future. We must use every tool at our disposal to fight it and strengthen the institutions entrusted with delivering justice,” Mbadi said.
The Anti-Corruption Strategic Guiding Framework is designed not only as a policy document but as a call to action.
Koome urged Parliament and the National Treasury to prioritize the necessary resources to ensure the success of the reforms.
“The fight against corruption is not an easy one, but it is one we must win. By working together, we can ensure that justice is not only done but is seen to be done.”
