Kenya’s Judiciary won the inaugural Commonwealth Access to Justice Innovation Award for exceptional work in advancing access to justice through initiatives like the Small Claims Courts.
In a statement seen by The Kenya Times, Chief Justice (CJ) Martha Koome expressed her gratitude for the recognition.
The CJ, who is also the President of the Supreme Court, emphasized the importance of adequately financing judiciaries worldwide to implement more people-centered justice innovations.
“I had the honor of engaging openly and candidly with Commonwealth Law Ministers at the CLMM 2024 in Zanzibar, United Republic of Tanzania,” Justice Koome stated.
“We discussed the vital need for innovations such as Small Claims Courts, Mahakama Popote, and Alternative Justice Systems to make justice more affordable and accessible, especially for the vulnerable and marginalized.”
Judiciary to Expand Small Courts
Highlighting the impact of Small Claims Courts, Justice Koome has noted the effectiveness in expediting the resolution of claims under Ksh1 million.
She also outlined plans to expand these courts to border towns and commercial hubs, utilizing smart technology for faster processing.
“In addition to Small Claims Courts, we are designing a court of petty sessions to address petty crimes with urgency and resolution,” the CJ revealed.
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Acknowledging the dedication of Justice Alfred Mabeya, Justice Caroline Kabucho, and their team, Koome praised their efforts in ensuring the success of these initiatives.
She has also commended advocates for their contribution to the Small Claims Courts’ success.
“Together, we will make access to justice a reality for every Kenyan while upholding the integrity of the legal profession,” Chief Justice Koome affirmed.
Reflecting on the Commonwealth’s role in advancing the rule of law, the CJ credited Hon. Baroness Patricia Scotland, QC for fostering thoughts and transformation.
Justice and Innovation
She emphasized the importance of sharing innovative models and collaborating to maintain a robust innovation database.
“This Award underscores the significance of collaboration and knowledge sharing,” noted Koome.
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The Commonwealth awards recognize exceptional government initiatives that utilize innovation to provide meaningful access to justice for the most vulnerable and help achieve Sustainable Development Goal target 16.3 of ensuring equal justice for all.
While announcing the winner, the Commonwealth Secretary-General (SG), Rt Hon Patricia Scotland KC emphasized the crucial need to address the formidable challenges of access to justice.
“The need to address the formidable challenges of access to justice cannot be overstated. We can only rise to the challenges by unleashing our knowledge, ingenuity and imagination,” said Patricia.
“Those being awarded today reinforce our faith in our ability to be the difference we want to see in the world.”
About Winners
Rwanda’s Ministry of Justice won two awards. The first award recognised its Abunzi (Mediators) Committee Project while the Ministry’s integrated electronic case management system received the second award.
According to the organizers, “Entries were submitted by government ministers and departments from across the Commonwealth.”
“A jury of retired judges, former attorneys general, and non-profit executives assessed the entries based on creativity, impact, and potential for long-term change.”
