Chief Justice Martha Koome hosted His Majesty King Willem-Alexander and Her Majesty Queen Máxima of the Netherlands at the Supreme Court Building in Nairobi.
The royal couple reaffirmed Kenya’s strong bilateral connections with the Netherlands, emphasizing their shared commitment to the rule of law, democracy, and good governance.
According to CJ Koome, an independent judiciary is the cornerstone of the country’s democracy, protecting the Constitution, guaranteeing fair trials, and safeguarding citizens’ rights and freedoms.
She reiterated the Judiciary’s unwavering stance against any external, political, or private influences that could compromise impartiality.
She noted that impartial courts serve as a bedrock for long-term national stability.
The parties also discussed people-centred justice and the strong Dutch support, with Koome emphasizing transformative initiatives aimed at making justice more accessible.
The initiatives have received enthusiastic backing from the Dutch government via the International Development Law Organisation (IDLO).
These include specialised Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) courts, which use survivor-centered, trauma-informed approaches to assist vulnerable populations.
