Kenya's justice sector has unveiled a wide-ranging package of reforms aimed at strengthening election preparedness, improving access to justice and addressing long-standing challenges across the justice system ahead of the 2027 General Election.
The reforms were adopted during the 38th meeting of the National Council on the Administration of Justice (NCAJ) held on Wednesday, July 29, 2026, where members resolved to strengthen coordination among justice institutions while tackling issues ranging from sexual and gender-based violence and case backlogs to road safety and offender rehabilitation.
The meeting, chaired by Chief Justice Martha Koome, reaffirmed the Council's commitment "to a coordinated, responsive and people-centered justice sector that meets the needs of all justice seekers."
Ahead of the meeting's deliberations, the Council launched five reform initiatives to improve justice delivery. They include People-Centred Justice Guidelines, a background study on people-centred justice, the Justice Sector ICT Policy and Action Plan, new procedures for handling sexual and gender-based violence cases at the grassroots level, and measures aimed at easing heavy workloads and reducing case backlogs.
Election preparedness emerged as one of the Council's top priorities following a briefing by the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC).
To support preparations for the 2027 polls, the Council reactivated its Ad Hoc Committee on Election Preparedness under the leadership of the IEBC Chairperson.
"The Committee will coordinate justice-sector preparedness and strengthen collaboration among relevant institutions to support constitutional, peaceful and credible electoral processes," read the statement in part.
Chief Justice Martha Koome speaking on behalf of the National Council on the Administration of Justice (NCAJ) on July 29, 2026.
PHOTO/X
The Council also called for continued engagement among justice institutions and encouraged greater digital transformation across the sector while ensuring that all institutions are included in the process.
Seeking to reassure the public, the NCAJ maintained that justice institutions remain stable and fully committed to their mandate.
"There is no crisis in the justice sector and remain committed to justice delivery. Our operations are well-structured, and we collaborate closely across institutions."
The meeting also approved the draft Sexual Offences Bill 2026, which will be updated before being submitted to the National Assembly. The proposed legislation seeks to address emerging forms of sexual and gender-based violence, including technology-facilitated offences, while strengthening legal provisions on femicide and improving care and support for survivors.
Members further approved a revised Identification Parade Form for use by the National Police Service. According to the Council, the updated form aligns with the Constitution and international human rights standards.
Other resolutions focused on strengthening the fight against wildlife crimes, including poaching, illegal bushmeat trade and trafficking of wildlife trophies.
Road safety also featured prominently, with the Council urging the National Transport and Safety Authority and other agencies to continue reforms aimed at reducing road fatalities, easing pressure on courts and ensuring timely justice for road users.
The NCAJ also established committees led by the Judiciary and the State Department for Correctional Services to examine the feasibility of introducing specialised Recovery Treatment Courts and Open Prisons. The proposed initiatives are intended to promote rehabilitation, reduce repeat offending and improve the reintegration of offenders into society.
The Council further considered National Guidelines on Interviewing Children in the Justice System to promote child-sensitive practices and safeguard the rights of children involved in legal proceedings.
It concluded by reaffirming its commitment to strengthening cooperation among justice institutions and advancing reforms that promote timely, accessible, inclusive, people-centred and accountable justice for all Kenyans.