Kenyan Judiciary Agrees Measure to Fast Track Corruption Prosecutions

Chief Justice David Maraga has been meeting with top judges from across Kenya in response to mounting pressure to remove the obstacles to fighting corruption, with civil society pushing for more convictions and harsher sentencing. During the discussions held on February 1 measures to fast track the prosecution of corruption cases were agreed, including the allocation of an additional 10 magistrates to such matters.

The move is part of a government commitment to step up the fight against corruption, which President Kenyatta has described as a national disaster. It comes following a two-day National Anti-Corruption Conference led by President Kenyatta in Nairobi last week. During the event US ambassador Robert Godec reiterated his country’s continued support for the fight against corruption in Kenya and commitment to supporting efforts from awareness campaigns to strengthening public financial management systems.