Chief Justice Martha Koome has unveiled an Anti-Corruption Strategic Guiding Framework for Kenya’s justice sector that is aimed at fostering a robust, transparent, and accountable justice system that proactively addresses the multifaceted challenges posed by corruption.
CJ Koome emphasized that the framework equips Justice Sector Agencies with a clear roadmap of well-defined interventions, spanning short-term, mid-term, and long-term efforts in the fight against corruption.
“By fostering inter-agency collaboration and partnerships, we can effectively combat corruption, enhance service delivery, and restore hope to our nation. This is an opportunity to turn the tide,” stated CJ Koome.
Further, the CJ noted that the National Council on the Administration of Justice (NCAJ) had renewed its commitment to both prevention and response strategies in the battle against corruption and economic crimes.
“As duty-bearers, we acknowledge that the fight against corruption is not only a legal issue but a moral imperative. It is our responsibility to safeguard our national values, ensure justice prevails, and promote transparent and accountable governance. We can no longer treat this issue as an insurmountable challenge; rather, we must see it as an urgent call to action,” she emphasized.
She reaffirmed the Judiciary’s dedication to the anti-corruption effort, highlighting that the Judiciary had set up Court Integrity Committees in all courts to address service delivery challenges at the grassroots level.
“These committees will work diligently to identify and seal potential corruption loopholes,” said CJ Koome, while encouraging all other NCAJ agencies to establish their own integrity committees.
To ensure the effective implementation of the Framework, Justice Koome urged all government agencies to strengthen their commitment to their constitutional mandates and to offer mutual support during the implementation process.
“I cannot overstate the importance of adequate resource allocation from the National Treasury in implementing our interventions. Additionally, I call on Parliament to fully support the legal reforms outlined in the framework, as they are essential tools in our efforts to combat corruption,”she urged.
Chief Registrar of the Judiciary Winfridah Mokaya called on justice sector players to lead by example, ensuring that justice is delivered without undue influence, favoritism, or unethical practices. She emphasized that the Framework would serve as a structured roadmap to effectively combat corruption and build a justice system that inspires trust and confidence among all Kenyans.
National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetangula noted that the Anti-Corruption Strategic Guiding Framework for the Justice Sector aims to improve the justice sector’s efficiency and effectiveness in preventing and responding to corruption and economic crimes and aims to enhance accountability, transparency and public trust, and ultimately foster sustainable socio-economic development in Kenya.
National Treasury and Economic Planning Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi underscored the pervasive impact of corruption, noting its potential to undermine political, social, and economic stability, erode respect for the law, and empower criminal syndicates and terrorists. He pointed out the intrinsic link between corruption and money laundering, stating that offenses like bribery and theft of public funds are often committed to illicitly amass wealth.
CS Mbadi called on justice sector stakeholders to devise innovative financing methods to support their mandates. He proposed that recovered proceeds of corruption should be reinvested into the system to bolster ongoing anti-corruption efforts. “While we commit to providing resources, the sector must also explore alternative financing avenues,” he remarked.
He added: “Anti-Corruption Strategic Guiding Framework provides us with measures to fight corruption and economic crimes, enhance accountability, and restore public trust in government institutions. It is not just a policy document – it is a call to action. CS Mbadi said.
