Kenya’s Chief Justice Named African Leadership Magazine’s 2023 African Female Leader of the Year

The Chief Justice and President of the Supreme Court of Kenya, Honourable Justice Martha Koome

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The Chief Justice of Kenya, Honourable Justice Martha Koome, has been named the African Leadership Magazine’s (ALM) African Female Leader of the Year for 2023 for “enhancing access to justice, advocating for gender equality within the legal system, and spearheading judicial reforms to fortify the rule of law in Kenya.”

The ALM’s African Persons of the Year Awards celebrates individuals who contribute significantly to Africa’s advancement and positively transform the continent’s image on the global stage. The award was bestowed upon Justice Koome during the ALM’s 12th African Persons of the Year Awards Ceremony held recently in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

Chief Justice Koome was also recognized for her pioneering leadership as the First Female Chief Justice of Kenya and her pivotal role in championing the establishment of the family division of the Kenyan High Court as well as transforming Kenya’s court processes to enhance access to justice for women and vulnerable groups.

In her acceptance speech, Chief Justice Koome said the recognition was not solely a tribute to her individual accomplishments but also a testament to the collective dedication and resilience of individuals striving for excellence across the continent. 

“This recognition spurs us to persist in our pursuit of leadership excellence and to relentlessly enhance the quality-of-service delivery by our institutions. It is a call to action for all of us to continue working tirelessly for the advancement of our continent and its people,” the Kenyan Chief Justice stated.

The eminent jurist then called for recommitment to the cause of Africa’s development, a culture of excellence and the building of systems and institutions that truly work for the benefit of all people. “Together, we can forge a brighter, more prosperous future for Africa,” she said.

The African Persons of the Year Awards Ceremony is the flagship annual event of the African Leadership Magazine, convening policymakers, private sector leaders, civil society leaders, thought leaders, and stakeholders from across Africa and beyond to deliberate on issues pertinent to Africa’s socio-economic growth and development.