On 12th May 2026, the ICT team from University of Nairobi conducted a benchmarking visit with the ICT department of the Judiciary of Kenya at Eka Hotel. The benchmarking exercise focused on the Staff Performance Appraisal and Recognition System as part of the University of Nairobi’s ongoing review and enhancement of its staff performance management framework.

The University of Nairobi delegation was led by ICT Director Mr. Paul Ndung'u Kariuki and Deputy Director ICT (MIS) Dr. Caroline Kiptoo, alongside ICT project leaders Dr. Charles Omondi Lwande, Mr. Joseph Odanga Ambayo and Mr. David Masika Wekesa.

The Judiciary ICT team was headed by their director Mr. Peter King’oo OGW, who welcomed the delegation and guided the discussions on the Judiciary’s staff appraisal and recognition systems.

During the session, the teams held extensive discussions on best practices in performance management and automation of appraisal systems. Key areas covered included alignment of individual staff appraisal targets with institutional strategic plans, annual work plans and performance contracts. The teams also discussed cascading institutional objectives to departments and individual staff members to ensure accountability and measurable performance outcomes.

Other areas explored included the development of objective and evidence-based appraisal tools for diverse professional cadres, balancing quantitative and qualitative performance indicators, use of Key Result Areas (KRAs) and Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), as well as competency-based assessment models. The benchmarking team further examined mechanisms for moderation, validation and appeals to ensure fairness and consistency in appraisal outcomes.

The Judiciary ICT team also shared insights on automation of appraisal workflows, reporting dashboards, staff recognition and reward frameworks, continuous feedback mechanisms, and approaches used to avoid appraisal systems becoming mere compliance exercises without meaningful impact.

The benchmarking exercise strengthened collaboration between the two institutions and provided valuable insights that will support the University of Nairobi in improving its staff appraisal and performance management framework.