CJ Koome: No Crisis in Justice Sector as NCAJ Unveils Major Reforms

Chief Justice Martha Koome has dismissed claims of a crisis in Kenya’s justice sector, assuring Kenyans that justice institutions remain stable and are working closely to improve access to justice across the country.

Speaking after the conclusion of the 38th National Council on the Administration of Justice (NCAJ) meeting in Mombasa, Koome said the Council had adopted a raft of reforms aimed at strengthening justice delivery, enhancing inter-agency coordination and preparing the sector for emerging challenges.

“We assure Kenyans that there is no crisis in the justice sector. Our operations are well structured, and we collaborate closely across institutions,” the Council said in a communiqué issued after the meeting.

The Council launched five reform initiatives, including People-Centred Justice Guidelines, a background study on people-centred justice, a Justice Sector ICT Policy and Action Plan, procedures for handling sexual and gender-based violence cases at the grassroots, and measures to address heavy workloads and case backlogs.

Justice Sector Gears Up for 2027 Elections

The Council also reactivated its Ad Hoc Committee on Election Preparedness following a briefing by the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC).

The committee, chaired by the IEBC Chairperson, will coordinate justice sector preparedness and strengthen collaboration among institutions to support peaceful, constitutional and credible elections in 2027.

Sexual Offences Bill Approved

Among the major resolutions, the Council approved the draft Sexual Offences Bill 2026, which will be forwarded to the National Assembly after further refinements.

According to the communiqué, the proposed legislation seeks to address emerging forms of sexual and gender-based violence, including technology-facilitated offences, while strengthening laws on femicide and improving support for survivors.

Wider Justice Reforms

The meeting also resolved to strengthen the fight against wildlife crimes through closer cooperation among justice institutions and approved a revised Identification Parade Form to improve fairness and transparency in criminal investigations.

In addition, the Council established committees to examine the creation of Specialized Recovery Treatment Courts and Open Prisons as alternatives aimed at rehabilitation and reducing repeat offending.

It also considered National Guidelines on Interviewing Children to promote child-sensitive justice processes.

Koome said the resolutions reaffirm the Council’s commitment to a justice system that is timely, accessible, inclusive and accountable for all Kenyans.