KeMU awards Chief Justice Martha Koome honorary doctorate

MERU, Kenya, Nov 7 – Chief Justice Martha Koome has been awarded an honorary Doctor of Letters degree by Kenya Methodist University in recognition of her contribution to the legal profession, administration of justice and protection of human rights. Koome received the Doctor of Letters (D.Litt.), honoris causa, during the university’s 26th graduation ceremony held at its main campus in Meru on Saturday.

The university cited her distinguished career as a jurist, human rights advocate and judicial leader, highlighting her work in constitutional governance, access to justice and the protection of women and children. Koome made history in May 2021 when she was appointed Kenya’s first woman Chief Justice and President of the Supreme Court. Her legal career began after admission to the Bar in 1987.

She practised at Mathenge and Muchemi Advocates before establishing Martha Koome & Company Advocates. She was appointed a High Court judge in 2003 and elevated to the Court of Appeal in 2012 before her appointment as Chief Justice. Beyond the Judiciary, Koome has played a significant role in constitutional development and human rights advocacy. She chaired the Bill of Rights Sub-Committee at the Bomas Constitutional Conference and served on the African Committee of Experts on the Rights and Welfare of the Child between 2005 and 2010.

She also chaired the Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA-Kenya) from 1999 to 2003, championing women’s rights, gender equality and access to justice. The university further recognised her contribution to strengthening child protection laws through her leadership of the National Council on the Administration of Justice Special Taskforce on Children Matters, whose work contributed to the Children Act, 2022.

Judiciary reforms In awarding the honorary degree, KeMU also cited Koome’s leadership in transforming the Judiciary into a more accessible, efficient, inclusive and people-centred institution. Under her leadership, the Judiciary rolled out nationwide electronic filing, expanded Court-Annexed Mediation and Alternative Justice Systems, strengthened Small Claims Courts and established specialised Gender Justice Courts.

The reforms are anchored in the Social Transformation through Access to Justice (STAJ) Blueprint, which seeks to make access to justice more responsive to the needs of Kenyans, particularly communities that have historically faced barriers in the justice system. Koome holds a Bachelor of Laws degree from the University of Nairobi, a Master of Laws degree from the University of London and a Postgraduate Diploma in Law from the Kenya School of Law.

She is also a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators. Her recent international recognitions include the Sejong Award for Legal Excellence, which she received in September 2026 as its inaugural international recipient, and a Lifetime Achievement Award from ADR ODR International in London in October. She has also received national honours, including the Elder of the Order of the Burning Spear and the Elder of the Order of the Golden Heart.

KeMU said the honorary degree recognised Koome’s exemplary contribution to the legal profession, constitutional governance, human rights and the transformation of access to justice in Kenya and beyond.