The Law Society of Kenya (LSK) has launched a high-powered taskforce aimed at addressing entrenched corruption and inefficiencies within Kenya’s judicial registries and land courts—a move welcomed by the Judiciary as timely and aligned with ongoing reforms.
Chief Justice Martha Koome, in remarks delivered by Justice Eric Ogola, described the initiative as complementary to the Judiciary’s Social Transformation through Access to Justice (STAJ) blueprint. She emphasized that ethical, efficient registries are essential for public trust in the justice system.
“There is no room for corruption in our registries. Their integrity directly affects public confidence,” Koome stated, urging the public to reject bribery and report malpractice through formal court mechanisms rather than social media platforms. She warned that persistent delays, lost files, and tampered records not only frustrate justice seekers but also lead to grave injustices.
While acknowledging milestones such as digitization and the rollout of e-filing under STAJ, Koome admitted more must be done to streamline and improve registry services, particularly at the grassroots level.
Justice Ogola, who represented the Chief Justice, emphasized the Judiciary’s close ties with the legal profession. “The majority of judicial officers are drawn from the legal community. It is in our shared interest to improve the justice system,” he said. Ogola also criticized the inadequate funding for ICT in courts, adding, “We cannot pretend we’re fully digital when we’re still using physical files.”
He further highlighted legal imbalances in the region, pointing out that Kenyan lawyers face restrictions practicing abroad while foreign advocates enjoy more freedom locally. He urged LSK to take a stronger role in advocating for reciprocity and reforms in custody conditions, referencing recent deaths in police cells.
LSK President Faith Odhiambo termed the taskforce “long overdue,” citing recurring complaints from lawyers and litigants about unethical conduct and file mismanagement in courts.
“Every lost file or bribe is a citizen’s fading hope,” Odhiambo said. She also challenged members of the legal fraternity to lead by example and uphold the highest standards of integrity.
Senior Counsel Wilfred Nderitu, serving as the taskforce’s alternate chair, stressed the need for concrete, data-driven action. “This taskforce must go beyond rhetoric. We must measure justice not just by speed, but by quality,” he asserted.
The newly formed taskforce will audit both digital and manual court systems, produce monthly progress reports, and recommend real-time reforms in registry operations. Its mandate represents a bold step toward restoring confidence in Kenya’s justice system through transparency, accountability, and systemic change.