Kenya records first drop in criminal cases in five years

According to the 2024/2025 Annual Administration of Justice Report, criminal cases dropped from 105,000 last year to 98,000 this year. The report attributes much of the criminal activity to physical harm and assault, which remain the most prevalent offenses, followed closely by theft and drug-related crimes.

However, the report also paints a worrying picture of rising police misconduct. Cases involving police officers either using excessive force or participating in criminal activities increased from 203 to 242 within the same period.

Corruption within government institutions continues to undermine access to justice, with the judiciary particularly cited as an area of concern. Stakeholders in the justice sector have called for intensified efforts to combat crime and corruption simultaneously, emphasizing the need for transparency across law enforcement and judicial institutions.

Law Society of Kenya (LSK) President Faith Odhiambo underscored the importance of modernizing the justice system to enhance accountability.

“Much still needs to be done, including allowing Kenyans to track their cases online, which has not yet been implemented,” she said.

“We need to face issues openly. There are judges who are corrupt. We must bring them to book,” said Murkomen.

“We will end corruption, including corrupt brokers in courts,” she affirmed, adding that the judiciary is working closely with security agencies to ensure accountability among corrupt judges and court officials.