MOMBASA, Kenya — Chief Justice Martha Koome has called for early and coordinated preparations within the justice sector ahead of Kenya’s 2027 General Election, saying electoral readiness must go beyond the work of the electoral commission.
Speaking in Mombasa during the 38th National Council on the Administration of Justice (NCAJ) meeting, Koome said the judiciary and other justice institutions have a critical role in safeguarding constitutionalism, upholding the rule of law and protecting the rights of all Kenyans, especially vulnerable groups.
“As we look ahead to the 2027 General Election, the National Council on the Administration of Justice must continue early preparations,” Koome said.
“Election preparedness extends beyond electoral management. It encompasses the readiness of the entire justice sector to uphold constitutionalism, the rule of law and to protect rights, especially those of the vulnerable.”
The Chief Justice’s remarks come as state institutions begin laying the groundwork for the next national elections, with stakeholders emphasizing the need to apply lessons from previous electoral cycles to strengthen public confidence in Kenya’s democratic processes.
The NCAJ meeting also provided a platform for civil society organisations to raise concerns affecting governance, accountability and civic participation.
International Justice Mission (IJM) Country Director Kenya, Vincent Chahale, called for improved access to government data, saying transparency is essential for evidence-based advocacy and effective planning.
“As civil society organisations, we find instances where, when we seek certain data from public institutions, it is sometimes difficult to obtain. Yet we need that data, especially for resource mobilisation,” Chahale said.
He said access to reliable public information would enable civil society organisations to monitor governance more effectively, develop evidence-based programmes and support initiatives aimed at strengthening the justice system.
The discussions highlighted the need for closer collaboration between government institutions, the judiciary and civil society as Kenya prepares for another election cycle.
With the 2027 General Election approaching, stakeholders say sustained planning, institutional coordination and public trust will be key to ensuring a peaceful, credible and constitutionally compliant electoral process.
