Kenya has recorded a decrease in criminal cases for the first time in five years, with the total falling below 100,000, highlighting a mixed picture of progress and persistent challenges in the justice system.
According to the 2024/2025 Annual Administration of Justice Report, the number of criminal cases dropped from 105,000 last year to 98,000 this year.
While this decline is a positive trend, offenses such as assault, theft, and drug-related crimes remain widespread, continuing to dominate the crime landscape.
The report identifies physical harm and assault as the most frequent crimes, followed closely by theft and drug-related offenses. At the same time, cases of police misconduct are on the rise.
Reports of officers involved in excessive use of force or participating in criminal activities increased from 203 to 242 during the same period.
Corruption within state institutions continues to weaken public trust and limit access to justice. The judiciary, in particular, has been highlighted as needing urgent reform.
Experts and stakeholders in the justice sector are calling for coordinated efforts to address crime and corruption simultaneously, stressing that both law enforcement and courts must operate transparently.
Law Society of Kenya President Faith Odhiambo pointed out the need to update the justice system and make it more accountable.
“Much still needs to be done, including allowing Kenyans to track their cases online, which has not yet been implemented,” she said.
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen raised concerns about systemic failures in the courts, noting that the judiciary shares responsibility for undermining public confidence, alongside criticisms of police conduct.
“We need to face issues openly. There are judges who are corrupt. We must bring them to book,” Murkomen stated.
Chief Justice Martha Koome acknowledged that corruption within the judiciary remains a major challenge despite ongoing efforts to maintain judicial independence.
“We will end corruption, including corrupt brokers in courts,” she said, emphasizing that the judiciary is collaborating with security agencies to hold corrupt judges and court officials accountable.
Murkomen also suggested that stricter bail conditions should be considered for suspects charged with serious crimes such as defilement and drug trafficking, arguing that tighter regulations could reduce repeat offenses and enhance public safety.
