CJ Koome launches five justice sector reform instruments in Kenya

• Chief Justice Martha Koome has launched five landmark justice sector reform instruments in Kenya.
• The reforms aim to accelerate digital transformation, strengthen responses to SGBV, and enhance access to justice through greater institutional coordination.
• The Justice Sector ICT Policy and Action Plan seeks to improve coordination through secure information sharing and evidence-based decision-making.
• The Standard Operating Procedures on SGBV aim to eliminate institutional gaps and strengthen referral mechanisms between agencies involved in handling SGBV cases.

Launching policies is only the beginning. Their true value will be determined by their successful implementation, which will determine whether they deliver meaningful change.

Chief Justice Martha Koome has embarked on a comprehensive reform agenda aimed at transforming the justice sector in Kenya. The five landmark instruments unveiled by the Chief Justice are designed to accelerate digital transformation, strengthen responses to sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV), and enhance access to justice through greater institutional coordination. At the heart of these reforms is the recognition that ordinary Kenyans experience the justice system as a single chain, comprising investigators, prosecutors, courts, legal aid providers, correctional services, and rehabilitation agencies. The public's perception of the justice system is not fragmented by institutional silos, but rather it is the collective responsibility of ensuring justice is delivered effectively that unites these institutions.

The Justice Sector ICT Policy and Action Plan is a flagship initiative that provides a framework for accelerating digital transformation across justice institutions. This policy seeks to improve coordination through secure information sharing, stronger data governance, and evidence-based decision-making. The integration of the Judiciary's Case Tracking System with the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions' Uadilifu Case Management System is an example of the progress already made under the Judiciary's digital agenda. This integration enables electronic transmission of criminal case files and charge sheets, a significant step towards reducing case delays and improving efficiency.

The Standard Operating Procedures on Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) are a critical component of the reform agenda. These procedures aim to eliminate institutional gaps that often expose survivors to secondary victimisation while strengthening referral mechanisms between agencies involved in handling SGBV cases. The guidelines seek to ensure that survivors receive timely, dignified, and comprehensive support. By prioritising survivor-centred responses, the justice sector can provide more effective and compassionate support to those affected by SGBV.

The People-Centred Justice Guidelines and Study represent a significant shift in the approach to evaluating justice delivery. This framework seeks to measure whether services are accessible, affordable, inclusive, easy to understand, and responsive to users' needs from the perspective of citizens. By focusing on the lived experiences of people seeking justice, the justice sector can better understand its impact and identify areas for improvement.

Lawyers should watch for the potential impact of these reforms on case delays, efficiency, and access to justice in Kenya, particularly with regards to digital transformation and coordinated responses to SGBV cases.

Source: Original reporting via [Source]