Nairobi: Chief Justice (CJ) Martha Koome has urged justice sector institutions to strengthen their Monitoring and Evaluation functions to ensure effective implementation of the guiding framework for Kenya’s justice sector. Speaking in Nairobi on Monday during the launch of the Administration of Justice in Kenya Annual Report 2024-2025 and the Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL) Guiding Framework for Kenya’s Justice Sector, Justice Koome said the framework represents a cultural shift toward evidence-based decision-making, performance tracking, and adaptive learning within the justice system.
According to Kenya News Agency, the Chief Justice emphasized the importance of institutionalizing monitoring, evaluation, and learning across all justice sector agencies to ensure that progress is not just based on perception and rhetoric but is anchored in measurable outcomes. She remarked that this initiative is vital for rebuilding public trust and demonstrating the tangible value of reform to the Kenyan people.
The Annual Report for FY 2024/25, as noted by Justice Koome, celebrates the collective achievements of the justice sector and provides a detailed account of efforts to enhance institutional performance, improve coordination, and advance access to justice for all Kenyans. Key milestones in the report include the development of the Anti-Corruption Strategic Guiding Framework and the Strategic Guiding Framework for Greening the Justice Sector.
The Anti-Corruption Strategic Guiding Framework marks a significant step in the justice sector’s commitment to combating corruption and economic crimes through a coordinated, multi-agency approach. Meanwhile, the Strategic Guiding Framework for Greening the Justice Sector highlights the sector’s recognition of environmental stewardship as a pillar of justice.
Justice Koome also pointed out significant strides in strengthening institutional capacity through investments in human capital, ICT, infrastructure, and financial management. The report acknowledges the role of Court Users Committees and grassroots forums in bridging the gap between justice institutions and communities, ensuring justice is accessible to all.
To further bolster the National Council on the Administration of Justice (NCAJ), Justice Koome urged Members of the National Assembly to prioritize the passage of the NCAJ Bill and called on Parliament to consider and pass the Penal Code and Criminal Procedure Code Amendment Bills.
Cabinet Secretary, Ministry of Interior and National Administration Kipchumba Murkomen, speaking at the same event, pledged support for the NCAJ in finalizing critical reforms to strengthen the criminal justice sector, emphasizing the interdependence of the Judiciary, Legislature, and Executive for the proper functioning of democracy.
Chief Registrar of the Judiciary Winfridah Mokaya highlighted budget disparities as persistent challenges facing the justice sector, noting that the funding gap undermines the ability of justice agencies to perform optimally. For the Financial Year 2024/2025, the sector required Sh327.5 billion but received only Sh196.4 billion, leaving a significant funding gap.
