Cabinet Secretary for Interior and National Administration Kipchumba Murkomen has called for closer collaboration between arms of government and institutions within the justice sector to ensure faster and fairer delivery of justice.
Speaking during the launch of the Administration of Justice in Kenya Annual Report 2024–2025 and the Justice Sector Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning Framework at Safari Park Hotel on November 10, Murkomen said no institution can work effectively in isolation.
“Our arms of government are like the legs of a stool,” he said.
“Each is critical in its own way, but none is useful without the other two. The Judiciary, the Legislature, and the Executive must complement each other for democracy to function.”
He said the justice system works as one chain, linking police investigations, court processes, and correctional services.
“When one part stumbles, the whole system feels it. When we work together, justice moves faster and works better,” he said.
Murkomen described the annual report as a reflection of the sector’s progress and a tool for accountability to citizens.
The new Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) Framework, he said, would help measure what Kenyans care about most — the speed of justice delivery.
“Kenyans are impatient, and rightly so,” he said.
“When someone reports a crime, they want action. When a case goes to court, they want it resolved. When someone serves their time, they deserve a genuine chance at rehabilitation and a new start in life.”
He warned that delayed justice erodes public confidence, emboldens offenders, and perpetuates crime.
“When cases drag on for years, communities feel abandoned. When rehabilitation fails, crime cycles continue,” he said.
Murkomen acknowledged existing tensions among justice institutions but urged dialogue and mutual accountability.
“Security without accountability diminishes justice. Justice without security cannot flourish,” he said.
The Cabinet Secretary also outlined three key issues raised during recent national security dialogues, calling for a review of lenient bail terms, especially for repeat or serious offenders, warning that such decisions undermine public confidence.
He further urged stronger collaboration through Court Users Committees, particularly at the grassroots, emphasizing the need to fast-track digital reforms to make justice more accessible and affordable.
Murkomen pledged the Interior Ministry’s support to the National Council on the Administration of Justice (NCAJ) in finalizing reforms to the Penal Code and Criminal Procedure Code.
He called on all justice institutions to remain open to feedback and embrace accountability.
“When we point out areas for improvement, take them seriously. When you point out where we fall short, we will do the same,” he said.
“Our demand for justice and security keeps growing. Our supply must keep pace.”
He said the report and MEL framework are roadmaps toward a fairer and more efficient justice system.
“Let us use them well to deliver the justice Kenyans deserve,” Murkomen concluded.
