ODPP, IJM Train Prosecutors on Decision to Charge Guidelines to Enhance Justice Delivery

The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) today conducted a training session for prosecutors on the ODPP Decision to Charge Guidelines (2019), a cornerstone policy document aimed at standardizing and professionalizing prosecutorial decision-making in Kenya.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, the Director of Public Prosecutions, Renson Ingonga, underscored the significance of the training in advancing justice delivery and institutional accountability.

The session was organized in collaboration with @IJMKenya , underscoring the strong and growing partnership between the ODPP and key justice sector stakeholders in strengthening Kenya’s criminal justice system.

The DPP expressed appreciation to IJM Kenya Country Director, Mr. Vincent Chahale, for his continued support. He acknowledged that the training would not have been possible without the unwavering partnership of IJM, describing the collaboration as a reflection of shared dedication to justice and institutional excellence.

Established under Article 157 of the Constitution of Kenya and governed by the ODPP Act, the ODPP is constitutionally mandated to independently institute and undertake criminal proceedings. This mandate affirms the ODPP’s autonomy and its critical role in safeguarding justice, free from external influence.

“This mandate carries immense power—and with it, an equally immense responsibility,” the DPP emphasized.

Guided by its vision of a just, fair, and efficient prosecution service for a safe and just Kenya, and its mission to provide an independent, professional, efficient, and effective prosecution service, the ODPP is anchored on the core values of independence, professionalism, integrity, fairness, accountability, and responsiveness.

The Decision to Charge Guidelines, adopted in 2019, serve as both an ethical and operational compass for prosecutors. The guidelines introduce a Two-Stage Test—comprising the evidential test and the public interest test—ensuring that the decision to charge is based on credible evidence and aligns with the broader public good.

“These guidelines are not just technical manuals,” the DPP noted. “They guide prosecutors in the responsible exercise of a power that can alter lives, affect liberties, and shape public trust in the criminal justice system.”

He further reminded of their role as impartial gatekeepers of justice, entrusted with the duty to charge only the right individuals for the right offenses, always acting with fairness and integrity.

“We are not merely technicians of the law; we are guardians of public confidence,” the DPP stated, quoting former U.S. Chief Justice William H. Rehnquist: ‘In the long run, there is no substitute for a justice system that both is and appears to be fair.’

He encouraged participants to fully engage with the training, approach it with open minds, and deepen their understanding of the guidelines in service to justice.

“Let us renew our resolve to discharge our constitutional duties with wisdom, fairness, and diligence,” he concluded.

IJM Kenya Country Director, Mr. Vincent Chahale, reaffirmed the importance of sustained collaboration in enhancing justice delivery in Kenya. He highlighted the ongoing partnership with the ODPP in various areas, including training and capacity building of prosecutors, as well as the development and adoption of policy frameworks aimed at strengthening the criminal justice system.

The training aligns with the ODPP’s 2023–2027 Strategic Plan, which envisions a modern, people-centered prosecution service. As part of this vision, the ODPP continues to invest in Continuous Professional Development (CPD), embrace digital transformation, and promote alternatives to prosecution—including plea bargaining and diversion—all integrated within the Decision to Charge framework.