The Judicial Service Commission has reaffirmed its commitment to combating corruption within the Judiciary following the release of the 2025 Kenya National Gender and Corruption Survey by the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission.
In a statement issued on Friday, JSC Chairperson Martha Koome acknowledged the findings of the report, which profiled corruption across the public sector, including within the Judiciary, and outlined measures already in place to address integrity concerns.
“Before I conclude, allow me to address a matter of public importance. The Judicial Service Commission has taken note of the Kenya National Gender and Corruption Survey 2025 released by the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission,” Koome said.
She revealed that the Judiciary had already initiated engagement with the anti-graft agency, with the Chief Registrar of the Judiciary and technical teams holding a meeting with the EACC to begin a structured review of the report’s findings and recommendations.
“Earlier today, the Chief Registrar of the Judiciary, who is also the JSC Secretary—together with our technical team—met with the Ethics and Anti-Corruption
Commission to begin a structured review… to enable the JSC and the Judiciary develop concrete action,” she said. Koome struck a firm tone on the Judiciary’s stance against corruption, emphasizing zero tolerance for misconduct.
“Our position is simple—and firm: we do not tolerate corruption. And we will act wherever integrity is compromised. This is not a new commitment. It is a sustained one,” she stated.
The Commission highlighted several reforms undertaken in recent years to strengthen accountability and transparency within the justice system.
Among them is a 2021 independent systems audit conducted by the EACC to identify institutional weaknesses and recommend corrective measures.
“We have taken deliberate steps to close gaps, strengthen systems, and hold ourselves to higher standards,” Koome said.
She noted that integrity committees have since been established across court stations to reinforce accountability at all levels, while Judiciary Dialogue Days have been institutionalized to enhance public engagement and improve service delivery.
In addition, the Judiciary has accelerated automation of court and administrative processes to reduce human interaction and minimize opportunities for corrupt practices.
“To bolster transparency and minimize human interactions that may breed corruption, the Judiciary has enhanced automation in its court and administrative processes,” Koome added.
The JSC also announced that it has finalized regulations to govern the processing of petitions against judges, a move expected to further strengthen oversight and disciplinary mechanisms within the Judiciary.
“This is the direction of travel: more transparency, more accountability, and less room for misconduct,” she said.
Koome reaffirmed the Commission’s constitutional mandate under Article 172 to promote and enforce accountability, pledging continued collaboration with oversight institutions to safeguard integrity in the justice system.
She also called on members of the public to play an active role in the fight against corruption by reporting any incidents involving judicial officers or staff.
“Accountability is a shared responsibility. If you encounter corruption—report it,” she urged.
Koome reminded judicial officers that their authority is derived from the people and must be exercised with integrity and fidelity to the Constitution.
“Public trust is our greatest asset. We must protect it, uphold it, and earn it every single day,” she said.