Players across Kenya’s justice chain have pledged to intensify collaboration in the fight against corruption, signaling a renewed, unified front against a vice that continues to undermine development, economic growth, and the effective functioning of public institutions.
The commitment was made during the Justice Sector Dialogue held in Nakuru from March 23 to 27, convened by the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC).
The high-level forum brought together key stakeholders, including the Judiciary, Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP), Commission on Administrative Justice (CAJ), Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA), Kenya Private Sector Alliance (KEPSA), and Transparency International Kenya.
In her address delivered by Court of Appeal Judge Mwaniki Gachoka, Chief Justice Martha Koome challenged institutions to reassess investigation timelines, prosecutorial preparedness, and case management within courts. She emphasized sustained coordination and reaffirmed the Judiciary’s commitment to strengthening its role in the justice chain.
At the legislative level, George Murugara, Chairperson of the Justice and Legal Affairs Committee of the National Assembly, pledged support for legal reforms to streamline accountability institutions and enhance anti-corruption efficiency. He highlighted the ongoing debate on granting EACC prosecutorial powers, urging formal proposals to Parliament if necessary.
The Dialogue resolved to strengthen inter-agency coordination, roll out joint training programs, and adopt modern technologies to handle complex investigations.
Stakeholders prioritized the pursuit of a comprehensive whistleblower protection law and early-stage witness protection, particularly for high-profile corruption cases.
The forum also endorsed the use of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) and multi-door approaches to enhance the recovery of proceeds of corruption. EACC and the Asset Recovery Agency (ARA) were tasked with lobbying for legislative reforms to enable direct utilization of recovered assets for public benefit where appropriate.
Speaking at the closing ceremony, Judith Pareno, Principal Secretary in the State Department for Justice, Human Rights and Constitutional Affairs, emphasized translating dialogue into action.
“It is important that the insights, recommendations, and experiences shared during this forum translate into practical reforms and sustained collaboration among institutions,” she said.
The Principal Secretary also revealed that the State Department is reviewing the National Ethics and Anti-Corruption Policy, with stakeholders invited to contribute technical expertise to ensure it remains responsive to emerging challenges and aligned with best practices.
The Dialogue closed with a clear message: the fight against corruption in Kenya is no longer business as usual, but a coordinated national priority requiring unified, sustained action across all institutions.
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