Justice sector leaders have raised concern over the rising number of road fatalities, femicide cases and growing criminal activities across the country during the 37th meeting of the National Council on the Administration of Justice (NCAJ) held in Nairobi.
The meeting, chaired by Chief Justice Martha Koome at the Safari Park Hotel, brought together key institutions within the justice sector to review emerging challenges affecting public safety and the administration of justice.
The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions was represented by Jacinta Nyamosi on behalf of Director of Public Prosecutions Renson Ingonga, who also serves as the council’s vice chairperson.
Koome raises concern over road deaths
Speaking during the meeting, Chief Justice Koome commended justice sector agencies for improving service delivery but warned that several issues continue to undermine access to justice and public confidence in institutions.
Koome noted that the country had recorded a worrying increase in deaths linked to road traffic accidents since the beginning of the year, calling for stronger coordination among agencies responsible for traffic management and road safety enforcement.
She said improved inter-agency cooperation would be critical in addressing the growing crisis on Kenyan roads.
Growing concern over femicide cases
The Chief Justice also expressed concern over the rising number of femicide and gender-based violence cases reported across the country.
According to Koome, the government has already established a presidential task force that conducted nationwide consultations and developed recommendations aimed at addressing the increasing cases of violence against women and girls.
She emphasised the need for stronger institutional responses, better victim support systems and coordinated interventions to tackle the vice.
Warning over rising crime and goonism
Koome further warned about increasing incidents of goonism and criminal activities that continue to threaten public safety and national stability.
She urged justice sector institutions to strengthen both individual and joint responses to emerging security threats while enhancing accountability and enforcement of the rule of law.
The Chief Justice stressed that effective coordination among justice agencies remains essential in improving public trust and ensuring efficient delivery of justice.
Agencies discuss traffic and sexual offence cases
During the meeting, council members deliberated on several operational and policy matters affecting the justice sector.
Among the key issues discussed were proposed Standard Operating Procedures on traffic management aimed at improving coordination among agencies handling road safety enforcement and accident response.
The meeting also reviewed government statistics on sexual offences in Kenya, with participants discussing prevention strategies, institutional cooperation and measures to strengthen support for victims.
Members underscored the need for stronger collaboration between investigative agencies, prosecutors and the Judiciary in handling sexual and gender-based violence cases.
Push for coordinated justice reforms
The NCAJ meeting comes amid ongoing efforts by the Judiciary and other justice sector institutions to improve efficiency, coordination and access to justice across the country.
The council plays a central role in harmonising operations among institutions involved in Kenya’s justice system, including the Judiciary, police, prosecution, prisons and oversight agencies.
Leaders at the meeting reaffirmed the importance of coordinated reforms in strengthening justice delivery and addressing emerging social and security challenges facing the country.
