Chief Justice Martha Koome Engages Diaspora in Dialogue on Access to Justice

Chief Justice Martha Koome Engages Diaspora in Dialogue on Access to Justice
March 19, 2026 | USA / Nairobi, Kenya
In a landmark virtual engagement, Chief Justice Martha K. Koome, President of the Supreme Court of Kenya, held a wide-ranging discussion with members of the Kenyan diaspora on access to justice, judicial reforms, and the role of technology in modernizing the judiciary.
The event, hosted by Samrack Diaspora, brought together participants from across the United States, Kenya, and other parts of the world creating a rare platform for direct dialogue between the judiciary and citizens living abroad.

A Personal Journey Anchored in Service
Chief Justice Koome reflected on her journey from a rural upbringing in Meru County to becoming Kenya’s first female Chief Justice. She recounted her legal career, her advocacy for women’s and children’s rights, and her leadership in advancing judicial reforms.

She also discussed her memoir,

Introducing Courting Courage, the autobiography of Martha Koome, Kenya’s Chief Justice.
The book, published by Moran (E.A.) Publishers Ltd

Book is now available on Amazon

Mother’s Legacy, which highlights the influence of her upbringing and the values that have guided her commitment to justice and leadership in public service.

https://youtu.be/jSCgXIlpFfI?si=Zob35W4NoBc0xJlX

Judicial Reforms and Digital Transformation
A major focus of the discussion centered on ongoing reforms designed to enhance efficiency, transparency, and access to justice within Kenya’s judiciary.
Key initiatives include:
• Expansion of virtual court proceedings
• Implementation of digital case management systems
• Digitization of land and court records
• Adoption of technology-driven processes to minimize delays and curb corruption
Chief Justice Koome emphasized that technology is a vital tool in ensuring the judiciary remains accessible, efficient, and accountable.

Addressing Corruption in the Judiciary
Participants raised concerns about corruption and the apparent gap between arrests and successful convictions. Chief Justice Koome responded by stressing the importance of evidence-based prosecution and institutional integrity.
She highlighted several measures being implemented, including:
• Establishment of corruption-free zones in courts
• Reduced physical interactions through digital platforms
• Enhanced case-tracking systems
According to her, eradicating corruption requires a united effort among all branches of government and the public.

Diaspora Challenges Take Center Stage
A notable portion of the dialogue focused on the challenges Kenyans abroad face in accessing judicial services.
Participants cited:
• Difficulties accessing the e-filing system from outside Kenya
• Lack of diaspora-specific legal support structures
• Barriers handling succession and property disputes remotely
Chief Justice Koome acknowledged these challenges and expressed openness to exploring solutions, such as establishing a diaspora liaison office or dedicated support framework.

Tackling Gender-Based Violence Through Specialized Courts
The discussion also addressed concerns about gender-based violence, particularly among young women. Chief Justice Koome highlighted the establishment of specialized gender and justice courts as part of efforts to handle such cases with greater sensitivity and speed.
She reaffirmed the judiciary’s commitment to protecting vulnerable populations and ensuring that all citizens regardless of gender or location can access justice.

Engaging the Next Generation
Koome underscored the importance of involving Kenya’s youth in strengthening the justice system. She pointed to the need for:
• Structured mentorship programs
• Professional development opportunities
• Clear frameworks for employment and capacity-building
She described Kenya’s growing pool of educated youth as a vital resource for reforming and sustaining the country’s justice sector.

Looking Ahead: Continued Engagement
The event concluded with a resounding call for ongoing dialogue between the judiciary and the diaspora community.
Samrack Diaspora announced plans to:
• Host follow-up sessions allowing deeper engagement
• Develop a series of discussions featuring other judicial leaders
• Collect diaspora concerns and questions in advance
Participants welcomed the initiative, emphasizing that sustained interactions will help bridge the gap between institutions and citizens living abroad.

A Step Toward Inclusive Justice
The virtual conversation marked a major step toward enhancing transparency, accountability, and inclusivity within Kenya’s justice system.
By opening direct channels of communication with the diaspora, Chief Justice Koome and the judiciary demonstrated a commitment to continuous reform ensuring that justice remains inclusive and accessible to all Kenyans, wherever they may be.