The Law Society of Kenya (LSK) has unveiled a new taskforce aimed at tackling corruption and inefficiencies plaguing Kenya’s court and land registry systems.
Chief Justice Martha Koome welcomed the move, calling it aligned with the Judiciary’s Social Transformation through Access to Justice (STAJ) vision. In remarks read by Justice Eric Ogola, Koome said efficient, ethical registries are central to restoring public trust in the justice system.
“There is no room for corruption in our registries. Their integrity directly affects public confidence,” she noted, urging the public to reject bribery and demand proper service. She emphasized the importance of transparent and timely court processes, warning that delays and file tampering result in serious injustices.
Koome reaffirmed her commitment to strengthening internal accountability systems and encouraged complaints to be made through official court channels, not social media. She also cited progress under STAJ, including digitization and e-filing, but admitted more must be done to simplify and improve registry services.
Justice Ogola, meanwhile, underscored the deep connection between the Judiciary and LSK, noting that most judicial officers emerge from the legal profession. He called for open dialogue and criticized the lack of ICT funding, saying, “We cannot pretend we’re fully digital when we’re still using physical files.”
Ogola also called out regional legal double standards, where Kenyan lawyers face restrictions abroad while foreign advocates practice freely in Kenya. He urged LSK to champion reforms and improve custody conditions following recent deaths in police cells.
LSK President Faith Odhiambo called the taskforce long overdue, citing repeated complaints from lawyers and litigants about missing files and unethical behavior. “Every lost file or bribe is a citizen’s fading hope,” she said, also challenging lawyers to uphold integrity.
Senior Counsel Wilfred Nderitu, the taskforce’s alternate chair, stressed the need for evidence-based reforms. “This taskforce must go beyond rhetoric. We must measure justice not just by speed, but by quality,” he said.
The taskforce will audit both digital and physical systems, issue monthly reports, and recommend real-time reforms—marking a crucial step toward a more ethical, efficient justice system.
