At a time when public debate around the justice system continues to intensify, key figures within Kenya’s legal fraternity are increasingly engaging behind closed doors to reflect on the state of the rule of law.
Chief Justice Martha Koome convened a high level consultative meeting with senior members of the bar to deliberate on a broad range of issues affecting access to justice.
The meeting brought together Senior Philip Murgor, Ahmednassir Abdullahi, Nelson Havi, and the President of the Law Society of Kenya (LSK), Ms. Faith Odhiambo, underscoring the Judiciary’s intent to deepen dialogue with influential legal practitioners.
The discussions focused on strengthening collaboration between the Judiciary, the LSK, and other justice sector actors, with participants acknowledging that no single institution can effectively address the challenges facing the justice system in isolation.
Emphasis was placed on the need for shared responsibility in safeguarding the integrity of judicial processes while ensuring that justice remains accessible to all Kenyans.
Concerns around corruption in the administration of justice featured prominently during the engagement.
Participants exchanged candid views on how unethical practices, whether real or perceived, continue to erode public confidence in the courts.
The meeting explored ways to confront these concerns through enhanced accountability, transparency and professional discipline across the justice sector.
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Beyond corruption, the consultative forum also examined systemic and practical barriers that hinder effective justice delivery.
These included procedural delays, case backlogs, resource constraints, and challenges faced by litigants, particularly the most vulnerable, in navigating the legal system.
There was a shared recognition that reforms must go beyond policy pronouncements to address everyday realities encountered in courts.
The senior advocates and the LSK leadership highlighted the importance of continuous engagement between the bar and the bench as a means of identifying workable solutions.
Proposals ranged from improved coordination in law reform initiatives to leveraging technology and alternative dispute resolution mechanisms to ease pressure on courts.
The meeting forms part of the Judiciary’s ongoing structured engagement with the Law Society of Kenya, justice sector actors, and development partners.
According to the Judiciary, such consultative platforms are critical to strengthening collaboration, enhancing efficiency, restoring public trust and ultimately advancing the effective administration of justice in line with constitutional values.
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