Chief Justice Martha Koome has announced a phased election dispute resolution training programme targeting more than 400 judges, judicial officers and relevant Judiciary personnel as the institution steps up preparations for Kenya’s 2027 General Election.
Speaking in Mombasa, Koome said the programme, being rolled out through the Kenya Judiciary Academy and the Judiciary Committee on Elections, is aimed at strengthening the courts’ capacity to handle electoral disputes independently, fairly and within timelines prescribed by law.
“As Kenya prepares for the 2027 General Elections, the Judiciary is taking deliberate steps to ensure that it is adequately prepared to discharge its constitutional mandate of resolving electoral disputes independently, fairly and expeditiously,” Koome said in a media briefing on Wednesday, October 28.
The training follows the completion of a specialised Training of Trainers programme involving 40 participants, who will support the wider rollout. Training for High Court judges is already underway.
The programme will cover election petitions, pre-election disputes, jurisdiction, scrutiny and recounts, results management and transmission, emerging electoral jurisprudence and appeals. It will also focus on digital evidence, electoral technology, active case management and professional ethics.
Koome said early preparation was critical because electoral disputes are governed by strict constitutional and statutory timelines and often involve complex legal, evidentiary and electoral questions.
“Our responsibility is to ensure that the courts have the institutional capacity, professional competence and operational systems necessary to administer electoral justice effectively,” she said.
Beyond training, the Judiciary is strengthening its administrative and technological systems to ensure courts and registries are adequately prepared to handle the anticipated disputes.
The measures include improving case management, filing and records management, scheduling hearings and ensuring judgments are prepared and delivered on time.
Koome said the Judiciary was also assessing its human resource, financial and logistical needs to ensure sufficient staffing, reliable technology and functional court registries during the election dispute resolution period.
Electoral disputes increasingly involve electronic records, digital communication and technology-based results management systems, requiring judicial officers to develop the capacity to assess digital evidence and determine questions relating to electoral technology.
“We will identify and prioritise these needs and pursue the necessary institutional and budgetary arrangements to ensure that our courts can discharge their responsibilities effectively,” she said.
The Chief Justice reaffirmed the Judiciary’s commitment to independence and impartiality, warning that courts would not be drawn into political contests as the country approaches the 2027 elections.
“Electoral disputes can generate intense political interest and public debate. However, our courts must remain faithful to their constitutional duty to administer justice without fear, favour, bias or prejudice,” she said.
She added that cases would be determined on their merits, based on the evidence presented and the applicable law, regardless of the political affiliation or status of the parties involved.
“I wish to assure Kenyans that the Judiciary will not be drawn into political contests or the determination of disputes in the court of public opinion,” Koome said.
She urged political leaders, parties, candidates and their supporters to respect judicial independence and allow legal proceedings to run their course without intimidation, improper influence or undue pressure.
“Political disagreements must be pursued through lawful channels, and judicial proceedings must be allowed to run their course without intimidation, improper influence or undue pressure,” she said.
Koome also called on journalists to uphold accuracy and responsibility when covering electoral matters and court proceedings, noting that media reporting plays a crucial role in informing citizens and strengthening public confidence in democratic institutions.
“The media plays a vital role in informing citizens, promoting accountability and strengthening public confidence in democratic institutions,” she said.
She urged journalists to distinguish allegations from established facts and political commentary from judicial determinations, while pledging continued engagement with the media and the public to improve understanding of electoral justice processes and counter misinformation.
As the country moves closer to the 2027 General Election, Koome said electoral preparedness remains a top institutional priority for the Judiciary.
“The Judiciary remains firmly committed to doing its part in safeguarding constitutional democracy and the rule of law,” she said.
“Our promise to Kenyans is that, whenever electoral disputes arise and are properly brought before our courts, they will find an independent, impartial and competent Judiciary ready to administer justice in accordance with the Constitution and the law.”
