Chief Justice Martha Koome has called for enhanced leadership, accountability, and efficiency across Kenya’s Judiciary as she officially opened the 2026 Annual Heads of Station Forum in Meru under the theme Enhancing Judicial Excellence Through Effective Court Station Management.
The Forum brings together Judicial Officers tasked with managing court stations across the country, with a focus on improving service delivery, reducing case backlog, and strengthening public trust in the justice system.
Koome emphasized that court stations remain the primary point of contact between the Judiciary and the public, making their efficiency central to the credibility of the justice system.
She noted that judicial excellence depends not only on legal expertise but also on strong leadership, ethical conduct, and effective administrative systems at the station level.
Emphasis on Digital Transformation and Case Backlog Reduction
She further stressed the need for deliberate investment in performance management, digital transformation, registry efficiency, and active case tracking systems.
According to Koome, delayed justice continues to undermine public confidence, making backlog reduction and data-driven case management key priorities for all stations.
During the Forum, she highlighted the recent swearing-in of 98 Resident Magistrates and Adjudicators by the Judicial Service Commission as a step toward strengthening institutional capacity.
However, she noted that staffing alone is insufficient without improved accountability and efficient station management structures.
Call for Integrity and Efficient Service Delivery
The Chief Registrar of the Judiciary, Winfridah Boyani Mokaya, also addressed the Forum, urging Heads of Station to uphold integrity, efficiency, and responsiveness in their daily operations.
She reinforced the Judiciary’s commitment to enhancing service delivery through improved administrative systems and stronger performance oversight.
The event, hosted by Meru County Governor Isaac Mutuma, commended ongoing judicial reforms, including digitization, alternative dispute resolution mechanisms, and efforts to reduce case backlog.
He underscored the Judiciary’s role in promoting constitutionalism, accountability, and national cohesion.
Koome reiterated that effective court station management is critical not only for access to justice but also for broader socio-economic stability.
She observed that efficient and trusted justice systems strengthen investor confidence, promote peace, and support sustainable development.
As deliberations continue, the Judiciary reaffirmed its commitment to institutional strengthening, improved access to justice, and delivering people-centred justice services to all Kenyans through enhanced leadership and operational excellence at every court station.
