By Kyan Orapa

On October 31, the Criminal Justice Club members visited the Commission of Administrative Justice (CAJ), commonly known as the Office of the Ombudsman, to gain a deeper understanding of its mandate, operations, and contribution to Kenya’s governance framework.

The session commenced with introductions, followed by an informative presentation on the historical evolution of the Ombudsman institution. Club members learned that the term “Ombudsman” originates from a Swedish word meaning “legal representative.” The presentation also traced the establishment of the Commission under Article 59(4) of the Constitution of Kenya and the Commission on Administrative Justice Act, 2011. The hosts highlighted the Commission’s guiding principles of responsiveness, independence, transparency, fairness, and integrity, which underpin its mission to promote good governance, accountability, and administrative justice.

A subsequent presentation delved into the right of access to information, emphasizing the importance of both proactive disclosure, such as the publication of salary ranges and contact details, and reactive disclosure, which involves responding to formal information requests and providing access to public records. The discussion reinforced the essential role of transparency in strengthening public confidence in government institutions.

The interactive session that followed allowed club members to engage directly with the presenters through thoughtful and probing questions. Discussions centered on the Commission’s ongoing efforts to enhance justice delivery and address systemic challenges, including corruption, inefficiency, and administrative unfairness. The exchange of ideas reflected a shared commitment to advancing justice and accountability within Kenya’s public service.

The visit concluded on an engaging and collegial note, with an icebreaker session that fostered meaningful connections between the students and members of the Commission. The experience proved both enlightening and inspiring, offering participants a clearer perspective on the practical application of justice and governance principles, and opening pathways toward future careers in law and public administration.