Chief Justice Martha Koome has received an honorary Doctor of Letters degree from Kenya Methodist University (KeMU) in recognition of her contributions to the legal profession, human rights, the administration of justice, and public service.
In a statement on Saturday, November 7, Koome said she was honoured to receive the Doctor of Letters (D.Litt.), Honoris Causa, during the university’s 26th graduation ceremony held at its main campus in Meru.
The university’s Chancellor formally conferred the degree.
“To me, it is a powerful reminder that the true measure of education, leadership and professional achievement lies not in personal accomplishment, but in how meaningfully we use our knowledge, skills and positions to serve others and transform lives,” she stated.
Koome’s Journey From Lawyer to Kenya’s First Female Chief Justice
According to the university, Koome is a distinguished jurist whose legal career began in 1987 after her admission to the Bar.
She initially practised at Mathenge and Muchemi Advocates before establishing her own law firm, Martha Koome and Company Advocates.
In 2003, she was appointed a High Court judge, a position she held until 2012, when she was elevated to the Court of Appeal. She served at the appellate court until her appointment as Chief Justice in 2021.
On May 21, 2021, Koome made history as Kenya’s first female Chief Justice and President of the Supreme Court.
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Martha Koome Contribution to Human Rights and Judicial Reforms
According to the university’s citation, Martha Koome chaired the Bill of Rights Sub-Committee during the Bomas Constitutional Conference and served on the African Committee of Experts on the Rights and Welfare of the Child between 2005 and 2010.
She also served as chairperson of the Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA-Kenya) from 1999 to 2003, where she championed women’s rights, gender equality and access to justice.
Her contribution to children’s rights included chairing the National Council on the Administration of Justice Special Taskforce on Children Matters. The university credited the taskforce’s work with contributing to the development of the Children Act, 2022.
As Chief Justice, Koome has championed reforms intended to make the Judiciary more accessible, efficient and responsive to the needs of Kenyans.
Through the Social Transformation through Access to Justice (STAJ) Blueprint, she has promoted initiatives to reduce barriers that prevent citizens from accessing judicial services.
The university’s citation listed the expansion of electronic filing services, Court-Annexed Mediation, Alternative Justice Systems, Small Claims Courts and specialised Gender Justice Courts among the reforms undertaken during her leadership.
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International Awards and Academic Qualifications
Martha Koome holds a Bachelor of Laws degree from the University of Nairobi, a Postgraduate Diploma in Law from the Kenya School of Law and a Master of Laws degree from the University of London.
She has also undertaken further professional training, including the Women and Power Programme at Harvard Kennedy School Executive Education in 2025 and specialised alternative dispute resolution training at Pepperdine University in 2024. She is a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators.
According to the university, her career has earned her several national and international recognitions, including the Elder of the Order of the Burning Spear and the Elder of the Order of the Golden Heart.
In September, she received the Sejong Award for Legal Excellence, presented jointly by the Supreme Court of Korea and the World Bank, in recognition of her contribution to the rule of law, judicial development and access to justice.
In October, she also received a Lifetime Achievement Award from ADR ODR International in London for her contribution to the legal profession and alternative dispute resolution.
Following the conferment of the honorary degree, Koome thanked the university’s Chancellor, Board of Trustees, University Council, Senate, management, faculty and the wider university fraternity for recognising her work.
She also congratulated the Class of 2026, urging graduates to use their education and opportunities to serve humanity, uphold integrity and contribute to national development.
“May you use the knowledge and opportunities you have gained to serve humanity, uphold integrity and make a lasting difference in your communities and our nation,” she told the graduates.
Martha Koome said she accepted the honour with gratitude and renewed commitment to serving justice, protecting human dignity and serving Kenyans.
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