DPP meets EU Ambassador Henriette Geiger to discuss the progress of the PLEAD Justice Programme

European Union Ambassador to Kenya Her Excellency Henriette Geiger, paid a courtesy call to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Renson Ingonga, CBS, OGW, to review the progress of the Programme for Legal Empowerment and Aid Delivery (PLEAD II), a vital justice sector initiative that is funded by the European Union and led by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC).

PLEAD II, which runs from 2023 to 2027, is the second phase of a programme designed to strengthen Kenya’s criminal justice system, improve access to justice, and enhance the prosecution of criminal cases.

Building on the success of its predecessor, PLEAD I, the programme is aligned with Kenya’s ongoing judicial reforms and has the EU as its primary funder, underscoring its commitment to supporting the country’s legal and judicial transformation.

The ODPP, with its constitutional mandate to prosecute criminal cases, plays a central role in implementing PLEAD II. As one of the programme’s main partners, the ODPP is tasked with strengthening prosecution services, improving the capacity of prosecutors, and ensuring the efficiency of Kenya’s criminal justice system.

Ambassador Geiger reiterated the EU’s commitment to supporting the ODPP in its efforts to build a more effective and transparent justice system, particularly in tackling corruption and economic crimes.

“Our partnership with the ODPP is a crucial part of the EU’s broader engagement in Kenya’s justice sector reform,” said Ambassador Geiger.

The meeting provided an opportunity for the DPP to brief Ambassador Geiger on the key achievements for the office under the PLEAD programme. Mr. Ingonga highlighted several initiatives aimed at advancing the fight against corruption, including the development of technical guidelines for corruption-related offenses, the proposed creation of standardized charge sheets, and conducting public awareness campaigns designed to enhance community involvement in the fight against corruption.

In justice sector coordination, the ODPP is working closely with key institutions such as the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) and the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) to streamline investigations and prosecutions related to corruption. Additionally, new prosecution guidelines for traffic offenses and legislative reforms are being pursued to enhance the efficiency of the justice sector.

Mr. Ingonga also noted PLEAD’s contribution to the ODPP’s ongoing efforts to build capacity and improve infrastructure. This includes staff training on legal policies, the launch of the ODPP Strategic Plan (2024-2025), and the installation of solar panels in ODPP offices to promote energy sustainability.

In addition to reviewing the progress of the programme, the courtesy call provided an opportunity to explore further collaboration between the EU and the ODPP. Potential areas of future partnership include continued training for prosecutors, particularly on handling digital evidence, corruption cases, and human rights-based approaches. There are also plans to support the establishment of ODPP grassroots offices in remote areas, expand the Prosecution Training Institute, enhance the juvenile justice system, and promote green prosecution initiatives.

The DPP expressed his appreciation for the EU’s continued support in strengthening Kenya’s legal institutions and advancing justice sector reforms.

“As Kenya continues to push forward with its justice sector reforms, the partnership between the EU and the ODPP remains a cornerstone of the country’s efforts to create a more just, equitable, and efficient legal system,” Mr. Ingonga concluded.