The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) have reaffirmed their ongoing collaboration under the Programme for Legal Empowerment and Aid Delivery (PLEAD), a framework designed to improve justice delivery, tackle corruption, and promote sustainability within Kenya’s prosecution services.
Senior officials from both institutions convened in Nairobi on October 8, 2025, to review progress and evaluate the impact of initiatives under the PLEAD programme, which has played a key role in boosting efficiency, accountability, and innovation across the criminal justice system.
“Through the PLEAD programme, UNODC has supported the ODPP in numerous ways,” the statement noted, highlighting achievements such as technological advancements, the creation of the Uadilifu Case Management System, and the professional development of prosecutors throughout the country.
Over the years, the PLEAD programme has strengthened both the operational and institutional capacity of the ODPP through targeted interventions. These include the formulation and publication of crucial policy documents and prosecutorial guidelines aimed at streamlining legal processes and enhancing transparency.
“Among the notable policy frameworks developed with UNODC’s technical and financial support are the Diversion Policy, the Plea Bargaining Guidelines, and the Guidelines on the Prosecution of Corruption and Economic Crimes,” the ODPP stated.
These frameworks have been vital in addressing persistent challenges, including case backlogs, prison overcrowding, and delays in justice delivery. The PLEAD initiative also seeks to integrate case management systems across justice sector institutions and foster coordination in the administration of justice.
UNODC’s assistance has extended beyond policy support to infrastructure development and environmental sustainability.
“In addition, UNODC has been instrumental in supporting the ODPP’s greening policy through the construction of a containerized office in Shanzu and ongoing plans to establish another in Migori County,” the ODPP highlighted.
These environmentally conscious facilities, built with sustainable materials and designs, reflect a growing commitment to green operations within the prosecution service.
During the meeting, UNODC and ODPP officials assessed multiple areas of cooperation that have significantly enhanced prosecutorial capacity and institutional frameworks. Both institutions reaffirmed their commitment to working together to advance justice, uphold integrity, and foster innovation within Kenya’s prosecution system.