Martha Karambu Koome, a distinguished legal expert and jurist, currently serves as the Chief Justice and President of the Supreme Court of Kenya. She officially assumed this role on May 21, 2021, making history as the first woman to hold the position. With a legal career spanning decades, her contributions to Kenya’s judiciary and legal reforms remain profound.
Martha Koome’s Age and Early Life
Born in 1960, Martha Koome is currently in her early 60s. Her journey in the legal field began with an LLB degree from the University of Nairobi, followed by a Post-Graduate Diploma in Law from the Kenya School of Law. She later pursued further education, earning a Master of Laws (LLM) from the University of London.
Legal Career and Judiciary Appointments
Before ascending to the Supreme Court’s top seat, Justice Koome had an extensive judicial career. She was appointed as a High Court Judge in 2003, where she served for nearly a decade. During this time, she took on leadership roles such as the Resident Judge in Nakuru and Kitale and later headed the Land and Environment Division in Nairobi.
Related: 1Win Your Way: Kenyan Players’ Guide
In 2011, she was elevated to the Court of Appeal, where she played a significant role in structuring judicial processes. As an Appellate Judge, she led the Criminal Division and chaired committees that developed the Court of Appeal Practice Directions for civil and criminal cases.
Legal Practice and Advocacy Work
Before joining the judiciary, Justice Koome practiced law for 15 years, specializing in conveyancing, commercial law, civil and criminal litigation, and family law. Her advocacy for children’s and women’s rights has been evident throughout her career. She was an active Council Member of the Law Society of Kenya (1994-1996) and helped establish the East African Law Society in 1995, where she also served as its first Treasurer.
Her contributions extended to international platforms as well. In 1997, she became the Chairperson of the Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA Kenya), leading the organization for two consecutive terms. She was also part of the African Union Committee on the Rights and Welfare of the Child in 2005 and played a key role in Kenya’s constitutional review process leading to the 2010 Constitution.
Leadership and Recognitions
Justice Koome has continually advocated for judicial reforms and access to justice. In 2019, she was elected President of the Kenya Magistrates and Judges Association (KMJA) and served as an official of the East African Magistrates and Judges Association. Her outstanding work in child rights advocacy earned her the recognition of UN Kenya Person of the Year 2020 Runner-Up.
Current Roles and Responsibilities
As the Chief Justice, she oversees key judicial bodies, including:
- Judicial Service Commission (JSC)
- National Council on the Administration of Justice (NCAJ)
- National Council for Law Reporting
With an illustrious legal career spanning decades, Hon. Justice Martha Koome continues to make an impact in Kenya’s judiciary. Her rise to the top judicial position not only reflects her expertise and leadership but also her unwavering commitment to justice and legal reforms. For those searching for “Martha Koome Age,” she was born in 1960, making her a veteran legal mind with extensive experience in governance, human rights, and judicial leadership.
