CJ Koome Named Inaugural International Recipient of Prestigious Korean Award

Chief Justice Martha Koome has been named the inaugural international recipient of the Sejong Award for Legal Excellence.

In a statement on Thursday, September 17, the Judiciary said the award recognised Koome’s efforts to promote a justice system that was accessible, people-centred and grounded in dignity and hope.

"We proudly celebrate Hon. Chief Justice Martha Koome on receiving the inaugural Sejong Award for Legal Excellence, a fitting recognition of her leadership in advancing the rule of law and making justice accessible, people-centred and rooted in dignity and hope," the statement read.

According to the Judiciary, the award was jointly presented by Korea’s Supreme Court and the World Bank Group, with the Judiciary saying it honours achievements in the areas of rule of law, access to justice and judicial cooperation.

"Jointly presented by Korea’s Supreme Court and World Bank Group, the Award honours rule of law, access to justice and judicial cooperation. 

"Her selection as its inaugural international recipient places Kenya at the foundation of a global tradition in judicial excellence," the statement added.

According to the Judiciary, King Sejong the Great is regarded as one of Korea’s greatest leaders. 

He created Hangeul, the Korean writing system, and promoted its widespread use among Koreans, reflecting his belief that knowledge and public institutions should serve everyone.

The Judiciary linked King Sejong’s legacy to Koome’s Social Transformation through Access to Justice (STAJ) vision, which seeks to ensure that justice is experienced by ordinary citizens rather than remaining an institutional commitment.

"King Sejong’s legacy finds echo in CJ Koome’s STAJ vision: justice must not remain an institutional promise; it must become a lived experience. Kenya has expanded digital justice, mediation, AJS, Small Claims Courts and specialised child and gender justice," the statement further read.

Koome received the award in recognition of both her leadership and the collective contribution of Kenya’s Judges, Judicial Officers and Judiciary staff in serving the public.

The Judiciary said the recognition reflected their shared conviction that the law achieves its highest purpose when it directly improves people’s lives through justice, dignity and hope.

The Judiciary also congratulated the Korea Legal Aid Center for Family Relations, which was named the inaugural national recipient of the Sejong Award for Legal Excellence.

"We congratulate the Korea Legal Aid Center for Family Relations, inaugural national recipient of the Sejong Award for Legal Excellence. For 70 years, Korea’s first legal-aid institution has widened access to justice and protected vulnerable people, a worthy co-recipient," the statement concluded.

This comes days after President William Ruto awarded a Letter of Interim Authority to Kamagambo University. 

The Head of State awarded the authority on Tuesday, September 15, during a ceremony held at the Kisumu State Lodge.

Speaking during the ceremony, Ruto said the institution may now establish its governing organs and develop its academic resources. 

Ruto also said Kamagambo University, with the approval of the Commission for University Education, can admit students to three initial programmes.

They include: Bachelor of Education in Arts, Bachelor of Arts in Theology with Entrepreneurship, and Bachelor of Business Administration with Entrepreneurship.

"Today, from the lakeside city of Kisumu, we admit Kamagambo University into Kenya’s higher-education system through the award of a Letter of Interim Authority. 

"This is recognition of progress made, authority to commence university operations within the approved mandate, and an obligation to attain the standards required for a full Charter," he said. 

Kamagambo was established in 1912 by Seventh-day Adventist (SDA) missionaries and has since operated as a college.

The institution now becomes the third private university established by the Adventist Church in Kenya, after the University of Eastern Africa, Baraton, and the Adventist University of Africa.

"We are therefore building forward from a strong inheritance. An institution that trained teachers will now educate professionals, entrepreneurs, and leaders. Its history gives it a foundation, while its performance will determine its future," he added.