All Courts Nationwide Go Digital
Chief Justice Martha Koome launched e-filing in all courts nationwide and directed that no court should print pleadings and documents from July 1, 2024. In the same event held at the Supreme Court grounds, the CJ also unveiled a new Causelist Portal where litigants and advocates can get information on cases listed for the day. Also launched was a Data Tracking Dashboard that will assist Judiciary leaders to monitor case processing within courts from filing to conclusion.
“This marks a giant leap in our commitment to transforming how we deliver justice through the strategic use of technology in alignment with the Social Transformation through Access to Justice blueprint of the Judiciary.’’ CJ Koome said.
She added that that the Judiciary’s goal is to ‘’enhance productivity, automate processes, digitise services and establish a paperless environment thereby making justice more accessible and reducing the geographical barriers to accessing justice.’’
Lauding the innovative Data Tracking Dashboard, the CJ said that with real-time monitoring capabilities, the Chief Justice, Deputy Chief Justice and Heads of Court can now better oversee the progress and performance of all court stations across the country. ‘’We will have access to real-time statistics for any court or tribunal without the need for physical inspection, thereby propelling the Judiciary towards a new standard of accountability.’’
One of the features of the dashboard, the CJ highlighted, is the ability to detect and analyse case adjournments, pinpointing the reasons behind them and enabling comparisons across different courts. The technology ensures that the leadership is informed and empowered to address any challenges promptly, enhancing operational efficiency.
She added that the Dashboard is a critical tool for evidence-informed decision-making. “It highlights trends and caseloads, such as identifying regions with high incidences of Sexual and Gender Based Violence (SGBV) guiding the Judiciary in the strategic establishment of the specialized SGBV Courts.”
Speaking on the new Causelist Portal that was also launched, CJ Koome said it is a significant step forward in the Judiciary’s mission to make justice more accessible and user-friendly for all Kenyans. “With just a few clicks on the Portal, anyone, regardless of their location within the country or abroad can easily find out when and where a case is scheduled to be heard. This direct access to court schedules empowers litigants and advocates, ensuring that they are prepared and informed about their matters coming up for hearing.” Previously, one had to call the Registry or visit a court station to access a Causelist.
Justice Isaac Lenaola who is a Supreme Court Judge and also the Chairman of the Integrated Court Management System Committee in his remarks noted that the advent of e-filing was engineered by the Covid-19 pandemic, when the Judiciary was ‘forced’ to be innovative in order to continue offering judicial services remotely. ‘’Following the launch of e-filing in 2020, the Judiciary has rolled it out in 17 counties and the other 34 counties have been brought on board today.’’
The Director of Public Prosecutions, Renson Ingonga in a speech read on his behalf by the Deputy Director Dorcus Oduor, hailed the partnership the Judiciary has with ODPP that ensures they keep pace with each other in adoption of technology and their systems are integrated and interoperable. He noted that the ODPP’s Uadilifu e-system is similarly set to be rolled out nationwide.
Cabinet Secretary of Public Service, Performance and Delivery Management, Moses Kuria, who graced the occasion termed the launch of the digital innovations as the “democratization of access to justice.’’ He said that “For years, access to justice has been the preserve of only a few people. Technology is the great equalizer and everyone in urban or rural setting can now enjoy the same rights and privileges in accessing justice.’’
Deputy Chief Justice Philomena Mwilu who spoke during the function noted the need to empower all institutions across the justice chain. ‘’There is need to simultaneously equip all justice system actors with adequate ICT infrastructure; to develop synergies with the digital solutions and to ensure cross-institutional training.’’
Governor Wisley Rotich of Elgeyo Marakwet County, who addressed the gathering observed that Wananchi have a lot of trust in automated processes. ‘’The automation will greatly raise the public trust and confidence in the Judiciary.’
Governor Joshua Irungu of Laikipia who was a guest at the event said that the rollout of e-filing countrywide means that ‘’Kenyans from all counties can now file their cases 24 hours a day 7 days a week regardless of their location.’’
#ENDS
