CJ Koome highlights judiciary underfunding ahead of key summit

Chief Justice Martha Koome (R) and FNF Director Stefan Schott (L). [The Standard]

Chief Justice Martha Koome has emphasised the need to strengthen the voices of Africa's judiciaries to defend and promote the rule of law across the continent.

During a meeting with representatives of the Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom (FNF) in Nairobi, Koome highlighted financial constraints as a significant challenge for judiciaries throughout Africa that must be addressed collectively.

"The biggest threat right now is budgetary constraints. Across the continent, judiciaries are gravely underfunded, and because of this, they tend to be overrun by the Executive and Legislature. This conference allows us to solidify our voices, but also gives us the opportunity to reflect on what more we can do to demystify our institutions and make them more efficient," said Koome.

The meeting was held in preparation for the upcoming All Africa Judges and Jurists Summit organised by the Kenya Judiciary Academy (KJA) and the Africa Judges and Jurists Forum (AJJF).

CJ Koome noted that FNF's focus on creating social market economies enhances citizens' freedoms, social peace, and prosperity.

"This aligns with the Kenyan Judiciary's strategic blueprint, 'Social Transformation through Access to Justice,' which identifies social justice as a core value to enable citizens to flourish and realize their potential," she added.

FNF's Project Director for East Africa, Stefan Schott, underscored the foundation's commitment to supporting public dialogues that lead to a better appreciation of the rule of law and the varying responsibilities of various actors.

"It's very critical for citizens to understand that the rule of law and essentially justice, is not just about the person standing before a judge in a courtroom. It's about society as a whole," Schott said.

The summit, themed "An Africa of Good Governance, Democracy, Respect for Human Rights, Justice, and the Rule of Law," will take place in Nairobi from September 17 to 19