By MKT Correspondent
In a powerful reaffirmation of her commitment to judicial transformation, Chief Justice Martha Koome has once again stepped into the spotlight—this time championing a cause that could redefine how justice is delivered across Kenya. Her latest call to action, urging for stronger monitoring and evaluation mechanisms within the justice sector, is not just a bureaucratic adjustment. It is a cultural shift, a strategic pivot toward accountability, transparency, and measurable impact in a system long plagued by inefficiencies and public mistrust.
Speaking during the launch of the Administration of Justice in Kenya Annual Report 2024–2025 and the Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL) Guiding Framework, Koome emphasized the urgency of institutionalizing data-driven governance across all justice sector agencies. Her message was clear: progress must no longer be gauged by perception or rhetoric, but by tangible outcomes. In her words, “We must move away from anecdotal evidence and embrace a justice system that is responsive, adaptive, and anchored in facts.”
This declaration comes at a time when Kenya’s judiciary is under increasing pressure to deliver timely, fair, and accessible justice. From case backlogs to public dissatisfaction with court processes, the challenges are well documented. Yet Koome’s approach is refreshingly pragmatic. Rather than focusing solely on legal reforms or infrastructure, she is advocating for a systemic overhaul that begins with how performance is tracked and evaluated. It’s a shift from reactive to proactive governance—one that could set a precedent for other arms of government.
The MEL Framework, unveiled alongside the annual report, is designed to provide a unified structure for assessing the effectiveness of justice delivery. It encourages agencies to adopt common indicators, share data, and engage in continuous learning. This is not just about collecting statistics; it’s about using them to inform decisions, allocate resources, and improve service delivery. Koome’s vision is one where every courtroom, registry, and tribunal operates with clarity of purpose and measurable goals.
Her push for monitoring and evaluation also aligns with broader national and global trends. Governments around the world are increasingly relying on evidence-based policymaking to tackle complex social issues. In Kenya, this approach has already shown promise in sectors like health and education. Applying it to the judiciary could unlock new efficiencies and restore public confidence in the rule of law.
But Koome’s initiative is not without its challenges. Implementing a robust MEL system requires more than policy declarations—it demands capacity building, technological investment, and a shift in institutional mindset. Many justice sector agencies still operate with limited digital infrastructure, and data collection remains inconsistent. Moreover, there is a need to train personnel in evaluation methodologies and foster a culture of openness to feedback and reform.
Despite these hurdles, Koome remains undeterred. Her leadership style, marked by inclusivity and collaboration, has already begun to reshape the judiciary’s internal dynamics. She has consistently emphasized the importance of stakeholder engagement, bringing together judges, magistrates, legal practitioners, and civil society to co-create solutions. This participatory approach is evident in the development of the MEL Framework, which involved consultations across multiple sectors.
The Chief Justice’s advocacy also resonates with Kenya’s constitutional aspirations. The 2010 Constitution envisions a judiciary that is independent, efficient, and accessible to all. Monitoring and evaluation are tools that can help realize this vision by ensuring that justice is not only done but seen to be done. They provide a mechanism for accountability, enabling citizens to hold institutions to their promises and track progress over time.
Koome’s emphasis on data also has implications for judicial independence. By grounding decisions in evidence, the judiciary can better defend its actions against political interference and public skepticism. It can demonstrate that its rulings are not arbitrary but based on consistent standards and measurable impact. In a region where judicial autonomy is often under threat, this is a powerful safeguard.
Furthermore, the MEL Framework could enhance inter-agency coordination. The justice sector is not a monolith—it includes the Judiciary, Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, Kenya Police, Prisons Service, and other entities. Historically, these institutions have operated in silos, leading to duplication, inefficiencies, and gaps in service delivery. A shared monitoring system could foster collaboration, streamline processes, and ensure that justice is delivered seamlessly from arrest to adjudication.
Koome’s initiative also has a human dimension. By focusing on outcomes, the MEL Framework centers the experience of the citizen. It asks: Are cases being resolved in a timely manner? Are victims receiving adequate support? Are court decisions being enforced? These are the questions that matter to ordinary Kenyans, and they are the questions that monitoring and evaluation can help answer.
The Chief Justice’s call to action is already gaining traction. Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen, speaking at the same event, echoed her sentiments and emphasized the need for harmony between security and justice. He noted that a peaceful nation is built not just on laws or force, but on the synergy between institutions. His remarks underscore the importance of cross-sector collaboration in realizing Koome’s vision.
As Kenya moves forward, the success of this initiative will depend on sustained political will, adequate funding, and public support. It will require leaders across the justice sector to embrace change, invest in capacity, and commit to transparency. But if implemented effectively, it could mark a turning point in Kenya’s journey toward a more just and equitable society.
Chief Justice Martha Koome’s push for stronger monitoring and evaluation is more than a technical reform—it is a bold reimagining of how justice is conceived, delivered, and experienced. It is a call to ground our institutions in truth, to measure what matters, and to ensure that every Kenyan can trust the system that serves them. In a world increasingly driven by data, Koome is ensuring that justice does not lag behind.
