Chief Justice Martha Koome has been voted as the winner of the prestigious African Female Leader of the Year 2023.
Koome was feted with the award during the African Leadership Persons of the Year awards ceremony which took place on March 16, 2024, night in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
The CJ Koome in her acceptance speech, emphasized that the honor was not solely for her individual achievement, but also symbolized the collective dedication and resilience of individuals striving for excellence throughout the continent.
Koome further dedicated the accolade wholeheartedly to the Judiciary of Kenya, the institution which she leads as the President.
“This recognition shines a light on our collective endeavor to establish a justice system that is truly people centered. A system that is responsive and attuned to the needs, experiences, and expectations of the Kenyan people, especially those who are marginalized and vulnerable,” she said.
Also, the Chief Justice stressed the importance of rededicating efforts to Africa’s development, fostering a culture of excellence and establishing systems and institutions that serve the interests of all.
Koome feted
She called for a recommitment to the cause of Africa’s development, nurturing a culture of excellence, and building systems and institutions that truly work for the benefit of the people.
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“This recognition spurs us to persist in our pursuit of leadership excellence and to relentlessly enhance the quality-of-service delivery by our institutions.
It is a call to action for all of us to continue working tirelessly for the advancement of our continent and its people. Together, we can forge a brighter, more prosperous future for Africa,” she emphasized.
CJ Koome was voted for her trailblazing leadership as the first female Chief Justice of Kenya, as well accomplishments in the Judiciary.
These include achievements in improving access to justice, promoting gender equality within the legal system and advancing judicial reforms to strengthen the rule of law in Kenya.
African Leadership Persons of the Year
The African Persons of the Year Awards celebrate individuals who contribute significantly to the continent’s advancement, inspire future and positively transform the continent’s image on the global stage.
During Friday night’s ceremony, former Tanzanian President Jakaya Kikwete received the African Peace and Security Leader of the Year & Congressional award.
Also Read: Kenya Beats Over 50 Countries to Win Prestigious Award
On the other hand, the Group CEO of First Bank Nigeria Limited Dr. Adesola Adeduntan was awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award in Banking.
The African Persons of the Year Ceremony is a flagship annual event of the African Leadership Magazine, which has been held consecutively over the past 12 years.
It convenes policymakers, private sector leaders, civil society leaders, thought leaders and all stakeholders from across Africa and the rest of the world to discuss issues bothering on Africa’s socio-economic growth and development.
Past winners of the African Persons of the Year Awards include President William Ruto who emerged the winner of the 12th African Leadership Magazine (ALM) Persons of the Year Awards 2023.
The Head of state won the award alongside President George Weah of Liberia and former President Jakaya Kikwete of Tanzania.
President Paul Kagame of Rwanda, former President Goodluck Jonathan of Nigeria, and Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed have also won the awards.
