Nairobi: Chief Justice Martha Koome announced a strategic shift in combatting corruption within the judiciary during the virtual opening of the Magistrates and Kadhis annual colloquium. CJ Koome revealed the Judiciary's collaboration with the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) and the National Intelligence Service to implement an intelligence-based model aimed at identifying corrupt practices early.
According to Kenya News Agency, CJ Koome emphasized that the new approach would help identify patterns, hotspots, and individuals involved in corrupt practices, thereby strengthening existing anti-corruption efforts. The initiative aims to protect the institution's integrity and foster a culture where corruption cannot thrive.
Court Integrity Committees (CICs) will be established across all court stations as part of this new strategy. These committees will serve as platforms for judicial officers, advocates, and stakeholders to address unethical behavior collaboratively. The EACC will provide guidance and training to CICs to ensure they drive ethical conduct and reinforce public trust in the justice system.
CJ Koome expressed concern over existing corruption allegations, reiterating that the Judiciary maintains a zero-tolerance policy towards corruption. She firmly stated the Judiciary's commitment to enforcing this policy without bias.
The colloquium, themed 'Digital Transformation, Technology and the Law,' also highlighted the judiciary's dedication to leveraging technology in justice delivery. CJ Koome urged judicial officers to embrace digital tools like e-filing, virtual courts, and transcription services to promote innovation and continuous improvement in the justice system.
Addressing delayed justice, CJ Koome called on judicial officers to minimize unnecessary adjournments, acknowledging courts with fewer adjournments, such as Kakamega, Kilungu, Kibera, Kikuyu, and Kenol Magistrates' Courts. Kadhis Courts lauded for timely justice included Lamu, Ijara, and Marsabit.
Additionally, CJ Koome announced the launch of the National Council on the Administration of Justice's (NCAJ) Justice Sector's Anti-Corruption Strategic Guiding Framework, a collaborative initiative uniting justice actors against corruption.
Justice Dr. Smokin Wanjala, Director General of Kenya Judiciary Academy (KJA), emphasized the importance of judicial training in technology and law to address complex legal issues in the digital age. He highlighted the need for technology to align with human rights, equity, and non-discrimination principles.
Dr. Wanjala introduced the Inaugural Annual Magisterial Oration, aimed at encouraging judicial officers to publish articles and research. He revealed KJA's plans to draft the KJA Bill, anchoring the academy into law and providing its administrative framework.
Dr. Wanjala concluded by stressing the responsibility to ensure the law evolves alongside technological advances, maintaining fairness, equity, and justice. Through training, collaboration, and adherence to ethical principles, the judiciary aims to navigate the challenges and opportunities of the digital age while safeguarding individual rights.