Kenyan women firmly stamp their authority on judiciary

The Kenyan Judiciary has witnessed remarkable progress as women break down barriers to occupy top positions within the government’s legal arm. Here is a little history:

Back in 1987, there were very few women practicing law or serving in the Judiciary. The first woman High Court judge, Lady Justice Effie Owuor, was appointed in 1982.

She later became the first woman judge of the Court of Appeal in 1998. Lady Justice Joyce Aluoch joined her as a High Court judge in 1993 and subsequently as an Appeal Court judge in 2007.

These trailblazing women were the founding members of the Kenya Women’s Judges Association (KWJA) in 1993.

Fast-forward to today, Kenya boasts a rare distinction: women occupy key leadership positions within the Judiciary. Hon. Justice Martha Koome, the current Chief Justice and President of the Supreme Court, has etched her name in history as Kenya’s first woman to hold this esteemed position.

Her ascendancy was no small feat; she triumphed over nine other candidates, including seven distinguished male justices and two accomplished female justices.

Beside her stands Hon. Justice Philomena Mwilu, who serves as the Deputy Chief Justice. Hon. Justice Mwilu’s appointment marks a pivotal moment, as she becomes the third woman to occupy this role. Her predecessors, Nancy Baraza and Kalpana Rawal, paved the way, demonstrating resilience and competence in their respective tenures.

Last week, President William Ruto's choice of Dorcas Oduor could make her Kenya's first female Attorney General.

If approved by the Parliamentary Vetting Committee, she will assume this historic role.

Currently, Ms. Oduor serves as the Secretary of Public Prosecutions at the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), a position she has held since January 2017.

Not to forget the remarkable Faith Mony Odhiambo, the 51st and current President of the Law Society of Kenya (LSK).

In March 2024, she emerged victorious by defeating three other candidates, securing her place in the annals of LSK history.

It’s worth noting that back in 2001, Rachel Omamo etched her name as the first woman to lead the LSK.

Now, Ms. Odhiambo follows in her footsteps, serving as the society’s second female leader.