[{"bbox": [96, 151, 1136, 419], "category": "Text", "text": "The action is in line with the New European Consensus on Development ‘our world, our dignity, our future’¹ and the EU Guidelines for Support to Justice and the Rule of Law as it will foster efficient, transparent, independent, open and accountable justice systems and will promote access to justice for all – in particular the poor and people in vulnerable situations. In addition to supporting the fight against corruption and increasing coherence and cooperation in the justice chain, it addresses critical steps in case management, focuses on service delivery and improving prison conditions, in line with human rights standards. By focusing on the gender dimension of criminal justice, this action is in line with the EU Gender Action Plan III². The action is aligned with the EU Action Plan on Human Rights and Democracy 2020-2024³, on the fair administration of justice and democratic institutions, while supporting the implementation of the Human Rights and Democracy country strategy 2021-2024. CSOs are a core component of the action in line with the Civil Society Roadmap."}, {"bbox": [96, 428, 1136, 776], "category": "Text", "text": "The action covers the key element of the third priority area of the Kenya MIP 2021-2027 on democratic governance, peace and stability. The MIP emphasises the fight against corruption and strengthening the justice chain to improve access to justice, in particular for those living in marginalised situations, including by alleviating pressure on the prisons and delivering legal aid. It will address the digital governance pillar of the Team Europe Initiative on Digitalisation, notably on effective service delivery and modernisation of justice through inclusive digital technologies. The commitment of the EU's contribution to the Team Europe Initiatives foreseen under this annual action plan will be complemented by other contributions from Team Europe partners. It is subject to the formal confirmation of each respective partners' meaningful contribution as early as possible. In the event that the TEIs and/or these contributions do not materialise the EU action may continue outside a TEI framework. In addition, this action is consistent with the European Joint Cooperation Strategy with Kenya 2018-2022, which describes corruption as a key challenge to democratic governance, and with the Special Report on EU development aid to Kenya by the European Court of Auditors (2020) which recommended prioritising investment in sectors that have the potential to attract foreign investment as well as the rule of law, including the fight against corruption."}, {"bbox": [96, 785, 311, 814], "category": "Section-header", "text": "## Public Policy Analysis"}, {"bbox": [96, 823, 1136, 934], "category": "Text", "text": "The justice sector is located under the political pillar of Vision 2030, Kenya's main long term development policy. The Third Medium Term Plan 2018-2022 of Vision 2030 has identified several flagship projects to push reforms in the justice sector, including leadership, ethics and integrity, judicial transformation and strengthening the criminal justice system."}, {"bbox": [96, 943, 1136, 1106], "category": "Text", "text": "Addressing corruption is a key priority for Kenya, with its President declaring the fight against corruption a 'War of Liberation' in 2018. The prevalence of corruption is an element of concern for the Government as high levels of corruption are negatively correlated with public trust and state legitimacy. Kenya has enacted numerous statutes to combat corruption since its ratification of UNCAC in 2003. It is currently guided by a National Ethics and Anti-Corruption Policy (2018) which outlines a comprehensive policy, legal and institutional framework from combating and preventing corruption and promoting ethics and integrity."}, {"bbox": [96, 1115, 1136, 1224], "category": "Text", "text": "In April 2021 the International Monetary Fund (IMF) approved a three year financing package for Kenya to support the Government's COVID-19 response and its plan to reduce dept vulnerabilities while safeguarding resources to protect vulnerable group. The programme will also advance broader governance reform and improve the anticorruption framework, notably the capacity of the criminal justice system to enforce corruption offences."}, {"bbox": [96, 1233, 1136, 1369], "category": "Text", "text": "Kenya's National Policy on Gender and Development (2019) aims to create a just, fair and transformed society free from gender based discrimination in all spheres of life. It prioritises strengthening the capacity of relevant institutions to undertake effective and timely investigation and prosecution of SGBV offences, ensure gender considerations are incorporated in the National Legal Aid Service and the development of gender responsive policies and guidelines for the justice sector."}, {"bbox": [96, 1378, 1136, 1514], "category": "Text", "text": "The National ICT Policy (2019) and its Guidelines endorse the development of a national integrated infrastructure plan which will facilitate rational, cost-effective, sustainable and easily maintained ICT infrastructure by multiple stakeholders. These instruments shed light on the Government's objective to leverage on the power of ICT to assist law enforcement agencies as part of enhancing national security. It is also recognised that ICT can be a pivotal tool to advance gender equality and empowerment despite unfavourable social and cultural attitudes."}, {"bbox": [86, 1572, 357, 1596], "category": "Footnote", "text": "¹ OJ C 210 of 30.6.2017."}, {"bbox": [86, 1596, 458, 1621], "category": "Footnote", "text": "² JOIN (2020)17 final of 25.11.2020."}, {"bbox": [86, 1621, 452, 1645], "category": "Footnote", "text": "³ JOIN (2020) 5 final of 25.03.2020."}, {"bbox": [1037, 1680, 1145, 1706], "category": "Page-footer", "text": "Page 6 of 33"}]