Chief Justice Martha Koome on Friday June 16th launched the electronic filing system in Kisumu, Homa Bay and Siaya counties.
This follows a successful roll out of the e-filling program in Nairobi and Mombasa.
Speaking during the launch in Kisumu the Chief Justice said the system will ensure that court users are able to file their cases at the comfort of where they are to minimize traffic in courts.
Our people will no longer be hindered by geographical constraints or the burden of time-consuming journeys to physically submit pleadings an d legal documents to courts
CJ Koome
CJ Koome said the e filing system will also help reduce backlog of cases and minimize the chances of missing files within the corridors of courts.
“Our people will no longer be hindered by geographical constraints or the burden of time-consuming journeys to physically submit pleadings an d legal documents to courts,” said Koome.
“This is an assurance that the pillars of justice stand tall and firm in the digital age, ensuring that justice remains within everyone’s reach,” she furthered.
It is our hope that this technological advancement will solely be used to improve case management and other aspects of service delivery within the judicial system
Mathew Owili
Homegrown System
Kisumu Deputy Governor Mathew Owili while highlighting the importance of justice as the foundation of a civilized society lauded the judiciary for the homegrown system.
“ICT will change the way justice is delivered and will improve case management and service delivery,” said Owili.
Owili said the county government is committed to continue strengthening cooperation with the Judiciary to enhance service delivery.
He acknowledged the challenges faced by many Kenyans in accessing justice due to various factors such as inadequate facilitation, economic hardships, and lack of information.
“It is our hope that this technological advancement will solely be used to improve case management and other aspects of service delivery within the judicial system,” said Owili.
The innovative technology replaces the outdated manual filing system, which often resulted in lost files and hindered the delivery of justice.
The system will infuse efficiency and reduce the cost of running law firms
Eric Theuri
Case Tracking
Justice Isaac Lenaola said the implementation of e-filing leaves a clear digital trail, making it easier to track and bring to justice those responsible for any criminal acts within the judiciary.
LSK President Eric Theuri said the system will ease case filling and processing.
“The system will infuse efficiency and reduce the cost of running law firms,” said Theuri.
The CJ further unveiled a Small Claims Court and a Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) at the Kisumu Law Court in a move to protect vulnerable members in the society.
The CSOs lauded the move noting that the launch signifies a commitment to swiftly address SGBV offenses with the necessary sensitivity and confidentiality.
This court will facilitate prompt and efficient dispute resolution, allowing entrepreneurs to focus on driving economic growth and job creation
CJ Koome
CSO team leader Betty Okero said the establishment of the SGBV court will reduce the length of time it took for SGBV cases to be determined.
Small Claims Court
The CJ further further said the launch of the Small Claims Court aims to expedite the resolution of commercial disputes, particularly those involving values below one million Kenyan shillings.
Let us always remember that we all play a critical role in the pursuit of justice. Embrace the Court Users Committees (CUCs), engage with the courts, and let us collaboratively address the issues that impede the delivery of justice
CJ Koome
“This court will facilitate prompt and efficient dispute resolution, allowing entrepreneurs to focus on driving economic growth and job creation,” she said.
The CJ emphasized the importance of collaboration and community engagement in achieving a justice system that is accessible and responsive.
She encouraged citizens to actively participate in Court Users Committees (CUCs) and embrace alternative dispute resolution methods like court-annexed mediation and Alternative Justice Systems (AJS).
“Let us always remember that we all play a critical role in the pursuit of justice. Embrace the Court Users Committees (CUCs), engage with the courts, and let us collaboratively address the issues that impede the delivery of justice,” said Koome.