NCAJ begins 2027 election preparations, rolls out justice reforms

The National Council on the Administration of Justice (NCAJ) has stepped up preparations for the 2027 General Election while advancing a series of reforms aimed at improving access to justice, strengthening rehabilitation programmes and accelerating digital transformation across Kenya’s justice sector.

Speaking during the 38th NCAJ Council meeting in Mombasa on Monday, Chief Justice Martha Koome said election preparedness requires coordinated action across all justice institutions to safeguard constitutionalism, protect citizens’ rights and ensure timely resolution of election-related disputes.

She urged the NCAJ Election Preparedness Committee to continue leading coordinated planning among institutions to strengthen the justice sector’s readiness ahead of the polls.

Early preparations for the 2027 election

Koome said preparing for elections goes beyond the management of voting and includes ensuring that courts and justice institutions are ready to uphold the rule of law throughout the electoral period.

“As we look ahead to the 2027 General Election, the Council must continue preparing early. I encourage the NCAJ Election Preparedness Committee to continue providing leadership in facilitating coordinated planning among all justice sector institutions,” she said.

According to the Chief Justice, stronger coordination among justice agencies will enhance institutional preparedness and improve the sector’s ability to respond effectively to election-related disputes.

Reforms targeting rehabilitation and justice delivery

The Council is also reviewing several policy reforms designed to modernise Kenya’s justice system.

Among the proposals is the introduction of an Open Prison Model, which seeks to complement the current correctional system by promoting offender rehabilitation while maintaining lawful custody and public safety.

Koome said the model would provide an opportunity to adopt innovative rehabilitation approaches that better prepare offenders for successful reintegration into society.

NCAJ is also considering the establishment of Recovery Treatment Courts to handle offenders whose criminal behaviour is linked to substance use disorders.

“If carefully designed and piloted, the courts could reduce recidivism, improve rehabilitation outcomes and strengthen collaboration among justice, health, probation, correctional and community institutions,” she said.

Other reforms under review include the Draft Sexual Offences Amendment Bill to strengthen responses to sexual and gender-based violence, including femicide, as well as a proposed Instant Traffic Fines framework aimed at improving enforcement while safeguarding fairness and due process.

The Council is also reviewing proposals to strengthen wildlife justice, improve identification parade procedures and introduce child-friendly interview guidelines to better protect children during legal proceedings.

Digital transformation across the justice sector

During the meeting, NCAJ launched the Justice Sector ICT Policy and Action Plan to guide digital transformation across justice institutions.

The Council also unveiled Standard Operating Procedures on Sexual and Gender-Based Violence aimed at improving coordination among institutions, clarifying responsibilities and ensuring survivors receive timely, dignified and trauma-informed services.

Koome said the reforms demonstrate the justice sector’s commitment to innovation and continuous improvement.

“Taken together, these reforms demonstrate a justice sector that is willing to innovate, embrace evidence-based approaches and continuously improve the quality of justice delivered to the people of Kenya,” she said.

She called on justice institutions to strengthen collaboration while respecting institutional independence, adding that the success of the reforms would ultimately be measured by improvements experienced by ordinary Kenyans seeking justice.