State Department for Justice, Human Rights and Constitutional Affairs KE

𝟑𝟓𝐭𝐡 𝐂𝐂𝐏𝐂𝐉 – 𝐊𝐞𝐧𝐲𝐚 𝐒𝐢𝐝𝐞 𝐄𝐯𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐨𝐧 𝐏𝐞𝐨𝐩𝐥𝐞-𝐂𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐝 𝐉𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐞

Today in Vienna, during the ongoing 35th session of the Commission on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice (CCPCJ) held at the Vienna International Centre (1–5 June 2026), the Government of Kenya hosted a high-level side event on “Entrenching People-Centered Justice for Improved Access, Service Delivery, and Observance of Human Rights”.

The event was organized as part of the CCPCJ’s official side event programme and focused on strengthening justice systems that are accessible, responsive, and centered on the needs and rights of people aligning with global priorities on access to justice and human-centred criminal justice reform.

At the opening, the Principal Secretary for Justice, Human Rights and Constitutional Affairs Hon. Judith Pareno leading the Kenyan delegation highlighted Kenya’s ongoing justice reforms aimed at improving service delivery, protection of human rights, and enhancing access to justice for all citizens. Discussions brought together representatives from Kenyan justice sector institutions, international partners, and other UN member states to share experiences, challenges, and best practices on implementing people-centered justice approaches.

The side event contributes to broader CCPCJ deliberations, where states and stakeholders are exchanging expertise on crime prevention, justice delivery, and strengthening criminal justice systems in line with Sustainable Development Goal 16 on peaceful, just and inclusive societies.

Hon. Judith Pareno, PS, State Department for Justice, Human Rights and Constitutional Affairs, today participated as a panelist representing Kenya during a side event organized by the Group of Friends of Access to Justice.

The PS highlighted Kenya's people-centred approach to justice, underscoring ongoing reforms aimed at expanding access to justice for all, particularly women, children, and vulnerable groups, through enhanced legal aid services, strengthened justice sector coordination, and alignment with the commitments under UN General Assembly Resolution 78/227.

Today, Kenya is participating in the 35th Reconvened Session of the Commission on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice (CCPCJ) in Vienna, Austria.

The Principal Secretary, State Department for Justice, Human Rights and Constitutional Affairs, Hon. Judith Pareno, who is leading the Kenyan delegation, delivered the country's statement during the High-Level General Debate. In her remarks, she highlighted the session's focus on strengthening crime prevention, criminal justice systems, and the rule of law. On behalf of Kenya, she also congratulated Amb. Monica Juma on her appointment as Director-General of the United Nations Office at Vienna (UNOV) and Executive Director of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), and expressed Kenya's commitment to fostering close collaboration with her office.

Kenya further underscored its contributions towards enhancing access to justice and promoting international cooperation. The country will also host a side event on people-centred justice systems, in collaboration with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), led by Hon. PS Judith Pareno, to showcase best practices and facilitate the exchange of experiences with other Member States.

HAPPY MADARAKA DAY

𝐌𝐞𝐞𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐢𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐞 𝐨𝐧 𝐉𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐋𝐞𝐠𝐚𝐥 𝐀𝐟𝐟𝐚𝐢𝐫𝐬 𝐨𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔/𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟕 𝐁𝐮𝐝𝐠𝐞𝐭 𝐄𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬

Today, the State Department for Justice, Human Rights and Constitutional Affairs, led by the Principal Secretary Hon. Judith Pareno, appeared before the Departmental Committee on Justice and Legal Affairs to consider the budget estimates for the Financial Year 2026/2027.

During the session, the State Department presented its priority programmes essential to delivering its mandate, along with an outline of significant deviations between its budget estimates and the approved 2026 Budget Policy Statement ceilings insights that will guide implementation in the coming financial year.

HAPPY MOTHERS DAY