CJ Koome: Four judges ousted, 210 judicial staff dismissed since 2010

Chief Justice Martha Koome has disclosed that four judges have been removed from office and 210 judicial staff dismissed for misconduct since the 2010 Constitution came into effect, reflecting intensified efforts to uphold integrity within the Judiciary.

Speaking on Wednesday during Katiba Day celebrations to mark 15 years since the Constitution’s promulgation, Koome said the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) has received 946 petitions against judges, of which only 95 remain pending.

“To date, the commission has processed a total of 946 petitions against judges, reflecting the seriousness with which it treats public grievances and the commitment to upholding integrity in the administration of justice. Four judges have been removed from office over this period. At present, only 95 complaints remain pending, most of which are at various stages of inquiry, demonstrating both the efficiency and transparency of the Commission's processes,” she said.

The CJ added that 210 judicial staff have also been dismissed after due process confirmed misconduct.
“This is also a clear signal that any collapses within the institution will not be tolerated. These figures illustrate not only the robustness of internal accountability mechanisms, but also the determination of the Judicial Service Commission to maintain the highest standards of professionalism and public trust,” she said.

Koome outlined reforms that have expanded the Judiciary’s reach, noting that magistrates’ courts have increased from 111 to 143, with a long-term goal of ensuring each of the 290 constituencies has a court.

She highlighted the decentralisation of the Court of Appeal, which now has permanent benches in Kisumu, Nyeri, Nakuru and Mombasa, compared to the past when Nairobi had the only bench.

She also pointed to specialised courts such as the Environment and Land Court and the 40 Small Claims Courts that resolve disputes worth less than Sh1 million within 60 days.

Other innovations include Gender Justice Courts and children’s courts, designed to provide survivor-centred and child-friendly services.

Reflecting on the Judiciary’s reform journey, Koome noted that transformation has been pursued in phases: the Judiciary Transformation Framework (2012–2016), Sustaining Judiciary Transformation (2017–2021), and the ongoing Social Transformation through Access to Justice. The current framework, she said, places emphasis on technology and people-centred service delivery.

“We champion a very bold shift in reforms, towards people-centred justice, towards a multi-door approach to the delivery of justice, towards leveraging on technology and innovation in the dispensation of justice, and ensuring that we widen the door of justice for the vulnerable and the marginalised who have historically been excluded from access to justice,” Koome said.

Despite these strides, Koome lamented that the Judiciary continues to face challenges including intimidation, cyberbullying, disinformation, and underfunding.

“Despite the Judiciary’s vast mandate, presence of courts throughout the country and over 8,000 members of staff, the judiciary receives less than one per cent of the national budget, far below the recommended three per cent,” she said.

Koome praised judicial independence as one of the greatest gains of the Constitution, pointing to landmark rulings on presidential petitions, the Building Bridges Initiative (BBI), LGBTQ rights, inheritance for children born out of wedlock, and the Senate’s oversight powers.

“In 2022, the Supreme Court affirmed that the Senate is constitutionally empowered to summon governors to appear before it or its committees to answer questions and provide information regarding county finances. The court further clarified that both the Senate and county assemblies possess oversight authority over county revenue, whether derived from national allocations or locally generated resources,” she said.

The CJ described the Constitution of 2010 as a turning point that enshrined principles of good governance, human rights, social justice, equality and accountability.
“That moment represented not only a legal transition but a rebirth of our nation. It was a profound political and social moment, born from decades of struggle and a collective yearning for a more just, equitable, and democratic society,” she said.

Koome stressed that courts have entrenched public participation by striking down laws and policies that failed to meet constitutional thresholds.
“The Judiciary has given life to the principle of public participation, striking down legislation where citizens were inadequately consulted,” she said.

She also highlighted that High Court stations and registries have now been established in every county, unlike before 2010 when they were limited to provincial headquarters and major towns.

Reassuring Kenyans of continued commitment to the rule of law, Koome said:
“As Chief Justice, I take this opportunity to reassure Kenyans of our unwavering fidelity to the Constitution. We shall continue to administer justice without fear or favour, to check abuses of power, and to defend the rights of Kenyans where necessary.”