The National Council on the Administration of Justice (NCAJ) has reactivated its Election Preparedness Committee as part of a broader initiative to enhance the justice sector's readiness for the 2027 General Election.
During its 38th meeting, the Council approved a range of reforms aimed at reducing case backlogs, improving access to justice, and strengthening collaboration between justice institutions. The committee, chaired by the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), will oversee coordination among agencies handling electoral matters to ensure a peaceful and credible poll.
Key Reforms Approved
- Adoption of the draft Sexual Offences Bill 2026, which addresses emerging abuses including technology-facilitated offences and aims to strengthen protections for survivors.
- Implementation of guidelines promoting people-centred justice and a new justice sector ICT policy to enhance efficiency.
- Procedures to better handle sexual and gender-based violence cases at grassroots level.
- Revision of the identification parade form used by the National Police Service to promote fairness and transparency in criminal investigations.
- Formation of committees to explore specialized recovery treatment courts and open prisons, focusing on rehabilitation and reintegration of offenders.
Chief Justice Martha Koome, who chairs NCAJ, emphasized the Council's commitment to delivering accessible and timely justice through enhanced inter-agency collaboration.
Additionally, the Council highlighted ongoing support for road safety reforms to reduce traffic-related fatalities and urged continued efforts to combat wildlife crimes such as poaching and illegal trafficking.
Child-sensitive guidelines for interviewing minors involved in the justice system were also reviewed to ensure protection of children's rights during legal processes.
These reforms collectively aim to foster an inclusive, accountable, and efficient justice system in Kenya ahead of next year's elections.
