Chief Justice Martha Koome received an honorary Doctor of Letters degree from Kenya Methodist University.
Kenya Methodist University honours Chief Justice Martha Koome for her legal career, judicial reforms and advocacy for women and children.
Kenya Methodist University has awarded Chief Justice Martha Koome an honorary doctorate for her contribution to justice and human rights.
Koome received the honorary Doctor of Letters degree during the university’s 26th graduation ceremony on Saturday in Meru. The ceremony took place at KeMU’s main campus.
The university recognised her work as a jurist, human rights advocate and judicial leader. It also highlighted her contribution to constitutional governance and the protection of women and children.
Koome honorary doctorate recognises judicial reforms
KeMU cited Koome’s efforts to make the Judiciary more accessible, efficient and responsive to the public. Under her leadership, the institution introduced nationwide electronic filing and expanded Court-Annexed Mediation and Alternative Justice Systems.
The Judiciary also strengthened Small Claims Courts and established specialised Gender Justice Courts. These reforms form part of the Social Transformation through Access to Justice Blueprint.
The blueprint seeks to improve access to justice, particularly for communities that have historically faced barriers within the system.
Meanwhile, the university recognised her leadership of the National Council on the Administration of Justice Special Taskforce on Children Matters. The taskforce’s work contributed to the Children Act, 2022, strengthening her record in child protection.
A career in law and rights advocacy
Koome entered legal practice after her admission to the Bar in 1987. She worked at Mathenge and Muchemi Advocates before establishing Martha Koome & Company Advocates.
She became a High Court judge in 2003, then joined the Court of Appeal in 2012. In May 2021, she became Kenya’s first woman Chief Justice and President of the Supreme Court.
Beyond the courts, Koome chaired the Bill of Rights Sub-Committee at the Bomas Constitutional Conference. She also served on the African Committee of Experts on the Rights and Welfare of the Child between 2005 and 2010.
As FIDA-Kenya chairperson from 1999 to 2003, she championed women’s rights, gender equality and access to justice.
Koome holds a Bachelor of Laws from the University of Nairobi and a Master of Laws from the University of London. Her qualifications also include a Postgraduate Diploma in Law from the Kenya School of Law. She is a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators.
