I attended the launch of ‘African Women Judges: Storytelling as Judicial Freedom’, which also serves as a celebration of the legacy and contributions made by the resilient and courageous African women jurists whom we celebrate. We recognize that the personal narratives of women in the Judiciary are not mere footnotes in legal history; rather, they are central to the broader narrative of judicial freedom, resilience, and transformation across Africa.
At the heart of this book lies a simple yet profound truth: storytelling is an act of liberation. In judicial contexts, storytelling allows us to transcend legal citations and judicial opinions to reveal the humanity behind the bench. As the book’s preface insightfully notes, judges are not monolithic; each judge is shaped uniquely by personal histories, challenges, and triumphs. Documenting these life stories affirms their significance and reinforces their integral role in delivering justice.
We specifically honour four distinguished Kenyan jurists featured in this volume: Justice Effie Owuor, Justice Joyce Aluoch, Justice Nancy Baraza, and Justice Hannah Okwengu. Each has blazed a trail and left enduring legacies within our Judiciary. Their inspiring journeys serve as foundational pillars upon which current and future generations of women jurists stand.
Standing on their shoulders, the Kenyan Judiciary’s journey in mainstreaming gender equality and inclusion reflects pathways illuminated by these trailblazing women. As the first female Chief Justice of Kenya, I have continuously drawn encouragement, wisdom and inspiration from these pioneering women.
President Kiir has assured the African Union of his administration’s commitment to implementing the provisions of the Revitalized Peace Agreement (#RARCSS).
The President made these remarks during a meeting with the visiting Panel of the Wise of the African Union. @_AfricanUnion
A high-level delegation from the African Union’s Panel of the Wise arrived in Juba this afternoon. They were received by Ambassador Philip Jada, Director General of Protocol at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation. @_AfricanUnion#SouthSudan
President Salva Kiir met with the African Union's Panel of the Wise (PoW) to discuss the country's level of preparedness ahead of the 2026 polls. @_AfricanUnion#SouthSudan
Following the🇨🇭#UNSC Presidency, we shed light on civil society briefers’ work.
"It has been proven that, for any peace process to be successful, women must be included."
Lady Justice Effie Owuor, @FemWiseAfrica, shares her hopes & what she expects from the Security Council.
#UNSC#WPSWeek
1/2“There is clear evidence that when Women are involved in #Peace negotiations, the resulting agreements are more comprehensive, more durable, and more inclusive.”
- Hon. Justice Effie Owuor, Co-Chair of @FemWiseAfrica and Chair of the Panel of the Wise
Earlier today, Hon. Winfridah B. Mokaya, Chief Registrar of the Judiciary, met with Ms. Christine Owuor, Senior Public Sector Specialist from the World Bank.
During the meeting with World Bank, she was accompanied by Ms. Lucy Njaramba, Head of the Judiciary Resource Mobilization Unit.Together they explored potential areas of collaboration, with a focus on implementing three flagship projects: the Construction of the Supreme Court of Kenya Building, the Construction of the Court of Appeal Complex, and the Construction of the Kenya Judiciary Academy. These projects are integral to the Judiciary's blueprint, Social Transformation through Access to Justice (STAJ), which advocates for a people-centered approach to justice.
Hon. Mokaya expressed her deep appreciation for the World Bank's continued partnership, noting its significant impact on the Judiciary's infrastructure and capacity. The World Bank's support has been pivotal in establishing 12 new High Courts across various regions, including Isiolo, Kapenguria, Samburu, Laikipia, Garissa, Kwale, Makueni, Nyandarua, Tharaka Nithi, Nyamira, Vihiga, and Kajiado.
She also highlighted the success of the Judicial Performance Improvement Project (JPIP), which has brought justice closer to the people through the construction of 27 courts in 22 counties. Additionally, she acknowledged the World Bank's contributions to capacity building for judges, judicial officers, and staff, as well as the provision of ICT equipment and furniture.
Looking to the future, Hon. Mokaya discussed the prospects of launching the Judicial Performance Improvement Project (JPIP 2), which aims to build on the successes of the first phase by further enhancing judicial infrastructure, capacity, and access to justice across the country. She emphasized the critical role of continued collaboration with the World Bank in ensuring the success of this next phase and achieving even greater impacts.
In closing, Hon. Winfridah Mokaya reiterated the Judiciary's commitment to strengthening partnerships like the one with the World Bank, which are vital to enhancing coordination and improving the administration of justice throughout Kenya.