ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia,
In recognition of her outstanding achievements in the judiciary, particularly in enhancing access to justice, advocating for gender equality within the legal system, and spearheading judicial reforms to fortify the rule of law in Kenya, the Chief Justice and President of the Supreme Court of Kenya, Honourable Justice Martha Koome, was awarded the African Female Leader of the Year for 2024. The prestigious accolade was bestowed upon her during the 12th African Persons of the Year Awards Ceremony held at the Ethiopian Skylight Hotel in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
In her acceptance speech, Chief Justice Koome underscored that the acknowledgment was not solely a tribute to her individual accomplishments but also a testament to the collective dedication and resilience of individuals striving for excellence across the continent.
“This recognition spurs us to persist in our pursuit of leadership excellence and to relentlessly enhance the quality of service delivery by our institutions. 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.
She urged for a recommitment to the cause of Africa’s development, to the nurturing of a culture of excellence, and to the to the building of systems and institutions that truly work for the benefit of all the people. “Together, we can forge a brighter, more prosperous future for Africa.”
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.
Chief Justice Koome was recognised for her pioneering leadership as the first female Chief Justice of Kenya, based on her pivotal role in championing the establishment of the family division of the High Court and transforming Kenya’s court processes to enhance access to justice for women and vulnerable groups.
Chief Justice Koome was honoured alongside political and business leaders from across Africa, including former President Jakaya M. Kikwete of Tanzania; Mayor Adanech Abiebie of Addis Ababa City, Ethiopia; Dr. The Honourable Kailesh Jagutpal, Minister of Health and Wellness, Mauritius; and Debele Hursa, Commissioner, Ethiopian Customs Commission.
Other honorees included Dr. Adesola Adeduntan, Group CEO, First Bank Nigeria Limited; Prof. George Openjuru, Vice Chancellor, Gulu University, Uganda; Jeanette Chanda Makgolo, Commissioner-General, Botswana Unified Revenue Service (BURS); Kennedy G. Bungane, CEO, African Bank, South Africa; Dr. Zafivanona Lainkana, Director General, Malagasy Customs Commission; Dr. Jesca Nkwabi, CEO, KOM Group, Tanzania; Henry Saamoi Bio, CEO, International (Liberia) Bank Limited; Daniel Asiedu, Managing Director/CEO, OmniBSIC Bank, Ghana; Daere Akobo, Chairman/GCEO, PANA Holdings Group, Nigeria; Mike Kamungeremu, President, Zimbabwe National Chamber of Commerce (ZNCC); Ing. Dr. Clifford Braimah, CEO, Ghana Water Corporation Limited, Ghana; and Akol E. Ayii, CEO, Trinity Energy Group, South Sudan.
The African Persons of the Year Ceremony is the flagship annual event of the African Leadership Magazine, convening policymakers, private sector leaders, civil society leaders, thought leaders, and stakeholders from across Africa and beyond to deliberate on issues pertinent to Africa’s socio-economic growth and development.
About African Leadership Magazine
The African Leadership Magazine is the flagship publication of the African Leadership Organisation (UK) Limited. For the past 16 years, the organization has been dedicated to promoting impactful leadership in Africa and showcasing African opportunities globally. Through its various initiatives, including quality Afro-positive content, trade facilitation, market entry solutions, business networking platforms, and public sector training and consulting, the African Leadership Magazine plays a vital role in driving positive change and development across the continent.
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