Naivasha: Chief Justice Martha Koome has announced the establishment of Court Integrity Users Committees across all court stations nationwide to address corruption within Kenya's judicial system. The initiative was unveiled during the second Magistrate and Kadhis Colloquium in Naivasha, amid increasing public scrutiny over allegations of bribery and inefficiency affecting the judiciary.
According to Kenya News Agency, the initiative is part of a broader effort to tackle the challenges facing the institution. CJ Koome acknowledged renewed accusations of corruption in some court stations, alongside persistent complaints about delayed justice and administrative inefficiencies. She reaffirmed the judiciary's zero-tolerance policy on corruption, emphasizing that "justice cannot be for sale."
The Court Integrity Committees will comprise judicial officers, advocates, representatives from the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC), and other stakeholders. Their mandate is to proactively identify and address integrity issues like bribery and demands for facilitation fees at court registries and service points. CJ Koome emphasized the need for these committees to foster ethical conduct and rebuild confidence in the justice system.
The announcement follows concerns over disparities in court performances across the country. Koome praised certain courts, including Kakamega and Lamu, for their efficiency, while highlighting others, like Runyenjes and Nakuru, for frequent adjournments that frustrate the public. She called for improved case management to prevent unnecessary delays.
Furthermore, the judiciary is adopting a multi-pronged approach to combat corruption. The National Council on the Administration of Justice is set to launch an Anti-Corruption Strategic Guiding Framework, involving police, prosecution, the EACC, and correctional services in a sector-wide effort against unethical practices. The judiciary is also partnering with the EACC and the National Intelligence Service to identify corruption hotspots and implement early interventions.
CJ Koome stressed the importance of these reforms in protecting the judiciary's integrity and creating an environment where corruption cannot thrive. Additionally, she highlighted the role of technology in enhancing efficiency and transparency, with ongoing efforts to expand e-filing, virtual courts, and transcription services nationwide.
Chief Registrar Winfridah Mokaya commended the small claims court for improving public access to justice and mentioned that a special committee has been appointed to address challenges facing these courts. The five-day discussion by judicial officials and technocrats aims to leverage modern technology, including artificial intelligence, to enhance access to justice for Kenyans.