Image: MARTHA KOOME
The Judiciary has launched the implementation of the second phase of Programme for Legal Empowerment and Aid Delivery in Kenya (PLEAD).
In a statement on Wednesday, Chief Justice Martha Koome said the programme was a result of a total investment of five billion from the European Union.
PLEAD II will be led by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) with support from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
"The PLEAD Programme through the generous contribution of the European Union has been essential to realisation of the strategic objectives of the justice sector both as a collective and, as the individual institutions that make up the sector," CJ Koome said.
CJ Koome said the programme will build on the successes achieved during the first phase and will support renewed collective quest as actors in the justice sector to deepen access to justice.
She added that it will enhance interagency collaboration and ensure the efficiency of institutions.
"I thank the European Union, and the people of Europe for their valued partnership and commitment towards strengthening the rule of law and administration of justice in Kenya," Koome said.
"During the last five years, I have borne witness to your passion for and commitment to this country, and the ideals that it seeks to promote through a cohesive, accountable, and efficient justice system."
She commended the efforts of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in coordinating the implementation of PLEAD I and PLEAD II.
Koome said the PLEAD programme has resulted in tangible impacts for society and the most vulnerable, bearing testament to strengthened institutions.
PLEAD II is set to address capacity needs and persistent bottlenecks affecting service delivery in the justice sector.
Advancing digitalisation to streamline the administration of justice and countering corruption will be central elements as the partners seek to improve access to justice for all Kenyans, including those at risk of exclusion and marginalization.
The programme’s four main desired outcomes are to enable the criminal justice system to fight corruption more effectively, improve administration and coordination of the justice sector, increase the competence, quality, and efficiency of criminal justice institutions and enhance access to legal aid.
PLEAD I was actualised from a four billion donation from EU.