Kisumu, Kenya – May 12, 2025

Residents of Kisumu and the greater Nyanza region are set to benefit from more accessible and efficient judicial services following the official launch of the Tribunals Shared Services by Chief Justice Martha Koome this morning.

The initiative, introduced under the Judiciary’s ongoing reforms, aims to transform how tribunals operate by centralizing support services such as case management, administration, and record-keeping. This shared services model is expected to streamline tribunal operations, ease access for users, and improve overall service delivery.

Speaking at the launch event in Kisumu, Chief Justice Koome emphasized that the move is part of a broader effort to decentralize justice and bring services closer to the people, particularly in underserved regions.

“The Judiciary is committed to ensuring that every Kenyan—regardless of location—can access timely, fair, and efficient dispute resolution,” said Koome. “The Tribunals Shared Services will help us achieve that goal by eliminating duplication, reducing case delays, and empowering citizens to seek justice without unnecessary barriers.”

Tribunals in Kenya handle a wide range of disputes, including those related to land, labor, environment, consumer protection, and small claims. By consolidating their administrative functions under one system, the Judiciary hopes to reduce case backlogs and ensure consistent application of justice across different regions.

Legal practitioners and civil society groups have welcomed the initiative, noting that it could have a particularly positive impact on marginalized and rural communities who often struggle to navigate the formal court system due to distance, cost, and complexity.

The launch in Kisumu marks the beginning of a nationwide rollout, with other regions expected to benefit from the new model in the coming months.