Chief Justice Martha Koome was on Friday, March 15, honoured with the African Female Leader of the Year Award 2023 during a ceremony held in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
In her acceptance speech, Martha Koome stated that the recognition symbolised the collective dedication and resilience of individuals striving for excellence throughout the continent.
“This award is not mine alone to claim. It is an accolade that I dedicate wholeheartedly to the institution I am privileged to lead, the Judiciary of Kenya,” Koome stated.
The CJ also emphasised the significance of rededicating efforts to Africa's development, fostering a culture of excellence and establishing systems and institutions that serve the interests of all.
She further called on recommitment to the cause of Africa's development, nurturing a culture of excellence, and building systems and institutions that truly work for the benefit of the people.
“This recognition spurs us to persist in our pursuit of leadership excellence and to relentlessly enhance the quality of service delivery by our institutions," Koome stated.
It is a call to action for all of us to continue working tirelessly for the advancement of our continent and its people,” she emphasised.
The African Persons of the Year Awards celebrate individuals who contribute significantly to the continent's advancement, inspire the future and positively transform the continent's image on the global stage.
The award was largely based on results from the online poll, which attracted vote entries from across Africa and the globe.
The African Persons of the Year Awards are Africa’s premier vote-based leadership endorsement polls, annually reserved for leading Africans contributing significantly to the continent’s progress.
The selection process offered an opportunity for Africans from across the globe to be part of the process of choosing and celebrating outstanding African leaders contributing to the continent’s growth and development.
CJ Koome was voted for her trailblazing leadership as the first female Chief Justice of Kenya, as well as accomplishments in the Judiciary, especially in improving access to justice, promoting gender equality within the legal system and advancing judicial reforms to strengthen the rule of law in Kenya.
