In a historical moment during their four-state visit to Kenya, King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima of the Netherlands were warmly received by Chief Justice Martha Koome at the Supreme Court Building in Nairobi.
This royal visit not only underscored the strong bilateral ties between Kenya and the Kingdom of the Netherlands but also highlighted their shared commitment to the principles of judicial transformation, democracy, and good governance.
On Thursday last week, Their Majesties were welcomed into the Chief Justice’s Boardroom, where they engaged in an enriching conversation with Kenya’s judiciary leadership.
The dialogue focused on critical issues such as judicial independence, national stability, and the crucial role the judiciary plays in ensuring people-centered justice.
As Kenya continues its path toward judicial reforms, the visit provided an opportunity for the Dutch royals to reaffirm their support for Kenya’s ongoing efforts to enhance access to justice, particularly for vulnerable communities.
During the discussions, Chief Justice Koome emphasized the importance of an independent judiciary in safeguarding constitutional rights, ensuring fair trials, and maintaining national stability.
“An impartial judiciary is fundamental to long-term stability in any nation,” Koome remarked, underscoring the judiciary’s unwavering stance against any form of external interference or pressure, whether political or private.
One of the highlights of the visit was the discussion around the growing focus on people-centered justice.
Koome shared how Kenya, with support from the Dutch government through the International Development Law Organisation (IDLO), has implemented transformative initiatives to make justice more accessible.
Among these initiatives are the establishment of specialized Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) courts, which prioritize survivor-centered and trauma-informed approaches to support victims in their pursuit of justice.
Another notable achievement discussed was the creation of the Small Claims Courts, which expedite the resolution of commercial disputes.
These courts, designed with small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in mind, have played a key role in fostering economic growth by providing swift and efficient dispute resolution mechanisms.
“The establishment of Small Claims Courts has created a more conducive environment for business growth, while ensuring that justice remains swift and accessible to all,” Koome noted.
The conversation also touched on the growing role of women in Kenya’s judiciary, an area in which the country has made significant strides.
Chief Justice Koome, joined by influential figures like Supreme Court Judge Njoki Ndung’u, Attorney General Dorcas Oduor, and Law Society of Kenya President Faith Odhiambo, highlighted the importance of gender equality in shaping a more inclusive and effective legal system.
The royal couple expressed their admiration for the increased participation of women in leadership positions within the judiciary, emphasizing the importance of such progress in building a just society.
King Willem-Alexander also shared his thoughts on the role of the judiciary in addressing global challenges such as climate change.
He stressed the importance of fair and impartial courts in shaping policies that protect the environment and ensure a sustainable future for all.
The royals concluded their visit with a tour of the Judiciary Museum, where they explored Kenya’s rich legal history and the pivotal role the judiciary has played in the country’s democratic journey.
Queen Máxima expressed her admiration for Kenya’s inclusive leadership approach, calling it an inspiring example of how a diverse legal system can foster social justice and fairness.
As the visit came to a close, Chief Justice Koome thanked King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima for their unwavering support and engagement, stating that the visit had further strengthened the ties between Kenya and the Netherlands.
“This visit has been a moment of great pride for us,” Koome said.
“It has reaffirmed our shared commitment to justice, democracy, and the rule of law.”
The royal visit served as a powerful reminder of the importance of international collaboration in building strong, democratic, and just societies, with Kenya and the Netherlands standing united in their efforts to promote these values across the globe.
