Martha Koome Biography: Husband, Age, Children, Net Worth, Nationality, Height, Parents, Wikipedia

Martha Koome is a prominent Kenyan figure who made history as the first woman to serve as the Chief Justice of Kenya, a position she assumed on May 21, 2021.

She holds an LL.B from the University of Nairobi and an LL.M in Public International Law from the University of London.

With over three decades of experience in law, Koome’s career includes significant roles as a High Court Judge and a Judge of the Court of Appeal.

She is widely known for advocating human rights and children’s rights. In 2021, she was named runner-up for the UN Person of the Year.

Profile

• Full Name: Martha Karambu Koome
• Stage Name: Martha Koome
• Born: June 3, 1960
• Age: 64 years old
• Birthplace: Meru District, Kenya
• Nationality: Kenyan
• Occupation: Chief Justice of Kenya
• Height: Unknown
• Parent: Mr. and Mrs. Karambu.
• Siblings: 17
• Spouse: Koome Kiragu
• Children: Kelvin Koome, Kagwira Koome ,Nkirote Koome
• Relationship: Married
• Net Worth: 10 million (KES)

Early Life And Education

Martha Karambu Koome was born on June 3, 1960, in Kithiu village, Meru District, Kenya.

She was born and raised by her parents, whose names are unknown but can be referred to as Mr. and Mrs. Karambu.

She is the youngest of 18 siblings from a polygamous family with two mothers, though the names of her siblings are not publicly known. Koome attended Our Lady Consolata Mugoiri Girls High School in Murang’a County.

She earned her LL.B. from the University of Nairobi in 1986 and attended the Kenya School of Law the following year.

In 2010, she completed her LL.M. in public international law at the University of London. Koome is of Meru ethnicity, hailing from Kithiu village in Meru District, and practices Christianity.

Career

Martha Koome began her legal career 1988 as a legal associate at Mathenge and Muchemi Advocates.

In 1993, she founded her law firm, which focused on human rights and represented political detainees during Kenya’s repressive era under President Daniel Arap Moi.

She also became a founding member of the Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA), advocating for the legal rights of women and children.

In 2003, Koome was appointed a High Court Judge, where she served until 2011. During her tenure, she held leadership roles, including Resident Judge in Nakuru and Kitale and leader of the Land and Environment Division in Nairobi.

She introduced strategies to expedite case processing and improve access to justice, particularly for marginalized communities.

Koome’s career advanced in 2012 when she was appointed to the Court of Appeal. As an appellate judge, she chaired committees that developed practice directions and standardized operations within the court system, improving case management and judicial efficiency.

In 2019, she became the President of the Kenya Magistrates and Judges Association (KMJA), playing a pivotal role in the constitutional review process that led to the adoption of Kenya’s 2010 Constitution. Her dedication to legal reform and human rights continued to shape her influential career.

On May 21, 2021, Koome made history as Kenya’s first female Chief Justice and President of the Supreme Court.

Her appointment marked a significant milestone for gender representation in the judiciary. In addition to her judicial duties, she has received numerous accolades for her advocacy work, including being named runner-up for the UN Person of the Year in 2020.

On February 5, 2024, she presided over the launch of the Nairobi Land Justice Working Group, focusing on expediting land justice through a people-centred approach.

Social Media

• Instagram handle: @cjmarthakoome
• Facebook handle: Martha Koome
• Twitter handle: @CJMarthaKoome

Personal Life

Martha Koome, the Chief Justice of Kenya, is married to Koome Kiragu. Together, they have three children: a son named Kelvin and two daughters, Kagwira and Nkirote.

Koome Kiragu previously served as the chairman of Habitat for Humanity until March 2021. The couple shares a strong and supportive bond.

Net Worth

Martha Koome’s net worth is estimated to be over 10 million Kenyan Shillings, although the precise amount is not publicly disclosed.

Her wealth is primarily derived from her long and successful legal career, including her current role as the Chief Justice of Kenya and her previous positions within the judiciary.