Chief Justice Martha Koome has emphasized the importance of judges advocating for a multifaceted approach to justice delivery and embracing technological advancements to improve court process efficiency.
Addressing the High Court Leaders Conference in Kisumu, she emphasized that these advancements and strategies are about more than just improving efficiency; they are also about revolutionizing the administration of justice.
“Reliable data and streamlined processes are the bedrock of effective court management. As we integrate these innovations into our daily operations, we are not just evolving technologically but are also fortifying the foundations of our judicial system for the betterment of our society,” said the Chief Justice.
The Chief Justice said that the High Court, with its broad jurisdiction and upcoming establishment in all 47 counties, is uniquely positioned to lead efforts to improve access to justice for all citizens.
To achieve this goal, she encouraged judges to broaden their understanding of their judicial responsibilities outlined in the Constitution beyond simply resolving disputes.
“We must strive to be facilitators of dialogue, connectors of various justice delivery channels, and promoters of social harmony, I therefore urge you to actively champion the multi-door approach to disputes resolution,” Koome said.
“In this regard, I urge you to encourage the uptake and use of mediation, alternative justice systems (AJS), and specialized courts, through which we aim to make our justice system more responsive to the needs of Kenyans, particularly the vulnerable.”
The Chief Justice noted significant progress in using technology to improve the efficiency of court operations. CJ Koome emphasized the e-filing initiative, citing its significant progress and full implementation across all court stations as of March 11th.
She asked judges to embrace and leverage technological investments for the efficiency of court processes.
“We are also embracing technology to ensure the accurate and prompt transcription of court proceedings. With the establishment of a pilot transcription centre, we are set to offer transcription services across the country, aiming to alleviate the workload on our judges and judicial officers and expedite the hearing process,” the Chief Justice added.
