In Nairobi, Chief Justice Martha Koome has called upon the judiciary to adopt a comprehensive approach to justice delivery, advocating for the use of various dispute resolution methods to enhance the effectiveness of the judicial system. This multi-door approach aims to complement traditional court proceedings with alternative forms of dispute resolution, thereby extending the reach of justice.
During her speech at the High Court Leaders Conference in Kisumu, Chief Justice Koome underscored the transformative impact of technological advancements on the judicial process. She stressed that these developments go beyond mere efficiency improvements; they are reshaping the administration of justice.
Chief Justice Koome highlighted the critical role of accurate data and efficient processes as the cornerstone of effective court management. By integrating these technological innovations into the judiciary’s daily operations, the system is not only advancing technologically but also strengthening its foundation, ultimately leading to societal betterment.“Embracing these technological tools is not just a step towards modernization; it is a leap towards reinforcing the pillars of our judicial system for the greater good of our community,” Chief Justice Koome remarked.
Chief Justice Martha Koome has made a compelling call for the judiciary to lead in making justice more accessible across Kenya. With the High Court’s broad jurisdiction and its planned expansion to all 47 counties, she envisions a judiciary that goes beyond traditional dispute resolution.CJ Koome advocates for judges to take on roles as facilitators of dialogue, connectors of justice delivery channels, and promoters of social harmony. She emphasizes the importance of the multi-door approach to dispute resolution, which includes mediation, alternative justice systems (AJS), and specialized courts.
Her message is clear: the judiciary should not only resolve disputes but also play a crucial part in fostering a more harmonious society through a diverse and inclusive approach to justice delivery.Chief Justice Martha Koome has highlighted the significant strides made in incorporating technology to enhance the operational efficiency of the judiciary. She particularly noted the e-filing initiative’s substantial progress, which was implemented across all court stations on March 11th.
CJ Koome encouraged judges to fully utilize these technological advancements to streamline court processes. She also pointed out the establishment of a pilot transcription center as a key development. This center is poised to provide transcription services nationwide, with the goal of reducing the burden on judges and judicial officers, thereby speeding up the hearing process.These steps represent a concerted effort to modernize the judiciary and improve the delivery of justice through technological empowerment. Chief Justice Koome’s message underscores the judiciary’s commitment to innovation and efficiency in serving the public.
Chief Justice Martha Koome has underscored the judiciary’s commitment to operational efficiency and transparency through the introduction of the “Data Tracking Dashboard.” This innovative tool is designed to provide the Judiciary’s Leadership and Court Leaders with the ability to monitor court activities and outputs in real-time. It offers immediate insights and trend analysis, which are crucial for the performance evaluation of courts and support informed decision-making.
Additionally, the Chief Justice has announced significant enhancements to the Case Tracking System (CTS), addressing longstanding challenges related to data integrity. These improvements are essential for ensuring the reliability of data, which serves as the foundation for informed policy-making and monitoring the judiciary’s developmental progress.Chief Justice Koome also took the opportunity to praise the judges for their role in advancing court infrastructural development throughout the nation, highlighting their contribution to the judiciary’s growth and service improvement.
Chief Justice Martha Koome has acknowledged the significant progress made through partnerships with local leaders, which has resulted in securing land for the Judiciary and initiating construction of court facilities. This collaborative approach exemplifies a commendable shared leadership model.She encouraged continued efforts in this direction to address the substantial infrastructural gaps, aiming to establish Magistrates’ Courts in every constituency and High Courts in every county. These steps are vital for enhancing the accessibility and reach of the judicial system.
High Court Principal Judge Eric Ogola also highlighted the value of the annual conference, which gathers High Court Judges and Deputy Registrars. This event serves as a platform for collective reflection, review, and planning, allowing the judiciary to assess its performance and adapt strategies accordingly.Judge Ogola further noted that the conference provides an opportunity for the judiciary to receive and consider public feedback, including criticism, which is essential for addressing new challenges and improving the delivery of justice.