Chief Justice Koome Vows Crackdown On Unqualified Legal Practitioners
Written by Bessy Awuor on March 11, 2024
Chief Justice Martha Koome has pledged to lead the charge in rooting out unqualified individuals posing as legal practitioners to safeguard the integrity of the legal profession.
Addressing the admission of 339 lawyers to the role of advocates at the Supreme Court on Friday, CJ Koome emphasized the importance of combating unauthorized legal practice, highlighting it as a criminal offense.
She affirmed her commitment to working closely with the Law Society of Kenya to enforce regulations against such individuals.
“In close collaboration with the Law Society of Kenya, we are committed to combating unqualified individuals who attempt to operate as legal practitioners,” she declared. “Offering legal services without proper qualification constitutes a criminal offense,” she reiterated.
While acknowledging progress in expanding judicial reach, CJ Koome noted that certain regions, particularly historically marginalized areas, still lack adequate legal representation.
This gap, she pointed out, poses challenges for vulnerable groups such as children, persons with disabilities, and victims of gender-based violence in accessing legal aid.
The Chief Justice also highlighted efforts by the Judicial Service Commission to enhance commercial dispute resolution. Initiatives such as court-annexed mediation and small claims courts, she explained, have provided effective platforms for swift and efficient dispute resolution.
“The swift resolution of commercial disputes is paramount to fostering a favourable business environment in our pursuit of economic growth,” she emphasized.
