Chief Justice Martha Koome has urged Kenya’s judicial officers to ensure that human rights decisions made in courtrooms translate into meaningful change in the daily lives of citizens, saying the Constitution is a binding promise that must be felt beyond legal texts.

Koome spoke during the closing ceremony of the 2nd High Court Annual Human Rights Summit, where she reflected on the three-day discussions that brought together judges, legal practitioners and human rights actors. She said the forum reinforced the belief that ethical leadership is central to the protection of human dignity.

In her statement posted on X on Wednesday, December 10, 2025, Koome reminded the audience that the 2010 Constitution demands full implementation, not symbolic commitment.

“Our discussions over the past three days reaffirmed that ethical leadership is the backbone of constitutionalism, and human dignity must remain the compass of all public service,” she said.

The Chief Justice noted that Kenya has made major strides through progressive human rights judgments over the past 15 years, but warned that the impact often remains limited when implementation is slow or inconsistent.

“I reminded participants that the 2010 Constitution is not aspirational, it is a binding promise to protect every person’s dignity, ensure equality, and deliver justice without fear or favour,” she said.

Koome urged the Judiciary and other state institutions to close the gap between court pronouncements and lived realities, citing ongoing challenges faced by ordinary Kenyans seeking justice, equality, and fair treatment.

She also called for integrity and responsibility across public offices.

“I called for ethical, courageous, and accountable leadership across all institutions, noting that public power is a sacred trust, not personal property,” she stated.

The Chief Justice further praised the High Court’s recent jurisprudence in asset forfeiture cases, arguing that it has strengthened the fight against corruption by ensuring that stolen public wealth finds no protection in legal loopholes.

“I also commended the High Court for its bold jurisprudence, particularly in asset forfeiture, that has strengthened the fight against corruption and affirmed that ill-got wealth has no sanctuary in law,” Koome added.

As the summit concluded, she urged judges to remain unwavering in their mission to uphold human dignity for all Kenyans.

“As we conclude the Summit, I urged the Judges of the High Court and other participants to remain steadfast in building a just society where every Kenyan can say, I am seen, I am heard, I am valued, my dignity is protected by the courts of this land,” the statement reads