Rise of women leadership in the Judiciary is a meaningful achievement of equality and gender parity in leadership positions within Kenya’s justice sector. By 2018, women judges and magistrates made up a remarkable 48% of the judiciary.
Kenya has been a pioneer in overcoming historic gender inequality, and its 2010 Constitution accelerated this progress with Article 27, which stipulates that no elective body can be populated with more than two thirds of one gender, and Article 10, which outlines Kenya’s commitment to equality, inclusiveness, and anti-discrimination.
This law has been showing progress especially with the appointment of the first female Chief Justice Martha Koome on 21st May, 2021.
Justice Martha Koome’s nomination is a historic moment for Kenyan women, who have been missing from higher ranking courts until recent years.
Women in the judiciary were initially concentrated in magistrates courts. This excluded them from high ranking cases that shaped the legal principles to be followed, often for years to come.
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Recently also on 31st June, 2023 at the Supreme court. CPA Charity Kisotu was sworn in by the Chief Justice as a Judicial Service Commissioner.
The commissioner before the appointment used to work as a Vice Chairperson for the Public Service Commission. There she chaired the Finance, Planning, ICT and General Purpose Committee of the Commission.
This is a great achievement as she adds the list of women in the Judicial service commission to six.
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The other women include Hon. Anne Amadi, who is the Chief Registrar of the Judiciary. She serves as the Secretary to the Commission. Another iconic woman is Ms Caroline Nzilani. She was appointed by the President to represent the public.
The third iconic woman is Ms Jacqueline Ingutiah, Advocate of the High Court of Kenya. She was elected by the Law Society of Kenya.
Lastly is Hon. Everlyne Olwande, Chief Magistrate. She was elected by the Magistrates and represents the Magistrates.
