The National Council on the Administration of Justice (NCAJ) is strengthening collaboration among justice sector institutions as part of its preparations for the 2027 General Election and a broader reform agenda aimed at enhancing the delivery of justice in Kenya.
Speaking during the 38th meeting of the National Council on the Administration of Justice in Mombasa Chief Justice Martha Koome said election preparedness extends beyond electoral management and encompasses the readiness of the entire justice sector to uphold constitutionalism, protect rights, manage disputes efficiently and preserve public confidence in the rule of law.
“As we look ahead to the 2027 General Election, the Council must continue preparing early. I encourage the NCAJ Election Preparedness Committee to continue providing leadership in facilitating coordinated planning among all justice-sector institutions,” CJ Koome.
She noted that strengthening collaboration through the NCAJ Election Preparedness Committee will enhance coordination among justice sector institutions and improve preparedness for the 2027 General Election, particularly in upholding the rule of law and strengthening the administration of justice.
The Council is also considering the adoption of the Open Prison Model in Kenya, which complements the existing correctional system by strengthening offender rehabilitation while maintaining lawful custody, public safety, and judicial oversight. Chief Justice Koome said the proposed model presents an opportunity to explore innovative rehabilitation approaches that prepare offenders for successful reintegration into society while safeguarding public safety.
She added that the proposed Recovery Treatment Courts, a reform proposal that adopts a problem-solving approach for offenders whose criminal conduct is closely linked to substance use disorders, could-if carefully designed and piloted-reduce recidivism, improve rehabilitation outcomes, and strengthen collaboration among justice, health, probation, correctional, and community institutions.
Among the other strategic reforms under consideration is the Draft Sexual Offences Amendment Bill, which seeks to strengthen the justice sector’s collective response to sexual and gender-based violence, including the growing concern over femicide.
The Council is also reviewing the proposed Instant Traffic Fines framework, a reform intended to promote efficient enforcement of traffic laws while ensuring fairness, consistency, and due process. If properly implemented, the reform has the potential to improve compliance, reduce unnecessary litigation, and contribute to safer roads.
Additional reforms include strengthening collaboration and efficiency in wildlife justice and management, improving the identification parade process to protect victims, witnesses and suspects while enhancing the integrity of criminal investigations and prosecutions, and developing a framework for child-friendly interviews to promote a more equitable and effective child justice system that safeguards the best interests of children while preserving the integrity of legal proceedings.
“Taken together, these reforms demonstrate a justice sector that is willing to innovate, embrace evidence-based approaches, and continuously improve the quality of justice delivered to the people of Kenya,” Chief Justice Koome said.
She added: “Let us recognise that collaboration strengthens, rather than diminishes, institutional independence. Above all, let us remember that the success of our work will not be measured by the number of policies we approve or meetings we convene, but by the tangible improvements experienced by those who depend on our justice system every day.”
During the meeting, the Council launched the Justice Sector ICT Policy and Action Plan, which provides a common roadmap for digital transformation across the justice sector.
It also unveiled the Standard Operating Procedures on Sexual and Gender-Based Violence, which establish a framework for stronger institutional collaboration, clarify roles and responsibilities and ensure survivors receive timely, dignified, and trauma-informed services throughout the justice process.
The Council further launched the Standard Operating Procedures for the Effective Undertaking of Service Delivery Initiatives, aimed at strengthening the planning, coordination, and implementation of justice sector outreach programmes to deliver more sustained and coordinated services that respond to the justice needs of communities across the country.
In addition, the Council launched the People-Centred Justice Guidelines and the accompanying People-Centred Justice Study. “These two documents invite us to rethink justice from the perspective of the people who seek our services,” CJ Koome said.
“We are also launching the People-Centred Justice Guidelines, together with the accompanying People-Centred Justice Study – these two documents invite us to rethink justice from the perspective of the people who seek our services,” CJ Koome explained.
“Today’s launch of various policy documents is a reaffirmation of our shared commitment to building a justice sector that is coordinated, people-centred and capable of responding to emerging challenges while remaining faithful to the Constitution,”.
She noted that five reform instruments exemplify what is possible when institutions work together towards a common public purpose amid the increasingly complex challenges, which though interconnected, require coordinated, collaborative and innovative responses.
