The Director of Public Prosecutions, Renson Ingonga, CBS, OGW, has called for greater adoption of alternatives to prosecution as part of efforts to address case backlogs and enhance the efficient administration of justice.
The DPP noted that the Plea Bargaining and Diversion Policies developed by the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions have significantly contributed to the efficient and effective administration of justice by providing alternative mechanisms for resolving criminal cases.
He was speaking during the official commissioning of the newly constructed ODPP office in Naivasha, a project supported by the European Union (EU) through the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) under the Programme for Legal Empowerment and Aid Delivery (PLEAD II).
DPP Ingonga said the establishment of the office was timely, given the extensive geographical area it serves, which includes Naivasha town, Gilgil, Mai Mahiu, Longonot and the greater Nairobi–Nakuru Highway corridor.
He observed that cases handled within the sub-county range from murder, gender-based violence (GBV), land fraud, environmental crimes and children’s matters to arson. He emphasised the need for prosecutors to have adequate working facilities where they can effectively manage cases, hold pre-trial conferences with witnesses, and undertake prosecution-guided investigations and joint case reviews with investigating officers.
The DPP acknowledged the European Union’s support through the UNODC/PLEAD II programme, noting that the construction of the office would not have been possible without the partnership.
“I thank UNODC for following through on their priority of enhancing inter-agency cooperation and justice sector administration by investing in this office. I give you my assurance that this office will serve its purpose in terms of cases received and handled, as well as the timely decision to charge,” he said.
He further underscored the importance of collaboration among criminal justice sector stakeholders, noting that the delivery of justice requires coordinated and sustained efforts by all institutions.
“Justice cannot be delivered in isolation. It requires strong, deliberate, and sustained cooperation among all actors in the criminal justice chain. From the police, the judiciary, probation officers, correctional services, and county administration, to civil society and community leaders—our success depends on how well we work together,” he noted.
UNODC Regional Representative Ali El-Bereir commended the DPP for embracing the establishment of the office through the partnership with UNODC. He observed that the collaboration had contributed not only to the establishment of prosecution offices but also to the development and implementation of various policies and guidelines aimed at improving access to justice.
“We are equally honoured to continue supporting ODPP in building a prosecution service that is professional, effective and responsive in ensuring sustainable access to justice and strengthening the capacity of justice sector actors. These are critical pillars in criminal justice delivery,” said El-Bereir.
Naivasha Presiding Judge, Lady Justice Cecilia Githua, described the commissioning as a remarkable achievement, noting that the new facility would enable members of the public to access prosecution services more effectively and efficiently.
“I congratulate the ODPP for this milestone. An accessible prosecution service means a faster decision to charge, leading to timely delivery of justice. Although the Judiciary and ODPP have distinct mandates, our common objective is the protection and advancement of the rule of law,” said Justice Githua.
Secretary of Prosecution Services Alloys Kemo commended the DPP for ensuring the availability of permanent and conducive office facilities to enhance access to justice.
He urged ODPP staff to make optimal use of the new premises to bring prosecution services closer to the people of Naivasha, noting that the initiative aligns with the DPP’s strategic agenda of taking services closer to mwananchi.
The new Naivasha office is expected to strengthen the ODPP’s operational capacity, enhance coordination with other criminal justice institutions and improve access to prosecution services within its catchment area.
