Registry operations simplified
Filing matters at the Employment and Labour Relations Court (ELRC) registries across the country has been made easy after a manual that explains registry procedures was launched.
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The Employment and Labour Relations Court Registry Manual unveiled in Nyeri at the end of week highlights and clarifies on registry procedures, roles of registry officials, records management processes and court fees, as well as the relevant forms in use in the registry.
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The manual seeks to streamline and standardize registry processes and operations as well as ensure uniform customer experiences across all courts. It is expected to serve as a reference guide for registry officials in their day-to-day duties and enlighten customers on what to expect of registry services and harmonize the manner in which the business of the court is conducted.
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ELRC Principal Judge Lady Justice Maureen Onyango emphasized the importance of the registry as the nerve centre of court operations saying that any matter that goes to the open court must first go through the registry.
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“The registry is a very important part of a court because it is where everything happens. Any matter that goes to the open court must first find its way in the registry,” Justice Onyango said.
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She added: “The registry is the heart of the court, if the registry is ailing, then the whole court is ailing”.
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On the forthcoming recruitment of 10 more ELRC judges, Judge Onyago noted that hiring of more judges to add to the current 12 will lead to reduction of case delays and backlog, as well as take services closer to the people.
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The Principal Judge was speaking at Nyeri Law Courts when the Employment and Labour Relations Court was conducting an Open Day themed: Access to Justice: Simplification of Court Processes, and where it also launched the Registry Manual.
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Justice Onyango said continuous feedback from stakeholders especially during Open Days has helped the court improve on its services. She added the court is committed to taking justice closer to the people as well as simplifying court processes in line with the Chief Justice’s blueprint – Sustaining Judiciary Transformation.
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Nyeri Governor Mutahi Kahiga who was the chief guest said the county administration has received valuable feedback from the courts with regard to county legislations. The governor however censured advocates for causing delays in matters.
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“We have had cases where lawyers do not turn up, hence delaying the proceedings,” explained Governor Kahiga.
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The Manual provides clarity on the operations of registries including an outline of key registry procedures and management of records. It underscores the values and general principles that will govern operations of court registries.
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In order to achieve efficiency and effectiveness, the manual defines details of all requirements and steps for provision of each registry service.
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The event was attended by ELRC Judges as well as staff drawn from all ELRC registries in the country. Others who were present included Judges and magistrates from Nyeri Law Courts, representatives from the Central Organization of Trade Unions (COTU), Law Society of Kenya (LSK), Ministry of Labour, and Teachers Service Commission among others. Other speakers were Nyeri ELRC Judge Nzioki wa Makau, Nyeri Presiding Judge Jairus Ngaah, LSK Mt, Kenya Region Ms Linda Kioni among others.
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Ends/…
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PUBLIC AFFAIRS AND COMMUNICATION
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JUDICIARY
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Employment and Labour Relations Court Principal Judge Lady Justice Maureen Onyango presents to Nyeri County Governor Mutahi Kahiga a copy of the ELRC Registry Manual shortly after its launch. On the left is, the Nyeri ELRC Judge, Nzioki wa Makau.
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