BY SHABAN OMAR
Chief Justice of Kenya Martha Koome has advocated for the adoption of technology to improve efficiency in the legal system.
Koome said that as the law and legal practices continue to evolve, there is a need for innovative approaches that align with societal needs and technological advancements.
The Lady Justice of the Supreme Court said that it is certain technology will keep to shape the practice of law in Kenya and beyond.
“Let’s embrace the transformative potential of technology not as a threat to our judicial system, but as a tool to enhance our ability to deliver justice,” she said.
Koome said technology especially artificial intelligence will promote data protection, confidentiality and processing of evidence.
She said the judicial has made great progress in leveraging technology to strengthen access to justice.
Koome said they have introduced virtual court sessions and a Judicial e-filing system to improve service delivery.
She said the rollout of e-filing has enabled remote case submissions, eliminating the need for physical court visits.
The Chief Justice noted that the system has also enabled remote court fee assessment, automatic case allocation to judicial officers, and convenient downloading of court documents.
She added that judges and magistrates can now draft, edit, and publish rulings, judgments, and orders online, as well as generate case statistics and performance reports through case tracking.
Koome said through the e-filing system the judiciary is promoting the integration and observability of information systems in other justice centre agencies.
“The system is already integrated with the director of public prosecution known as Uadilifu Case Management System,” she said.
She mentioned that efforts are underway to expand the Milimani Transcription pilot, which is powered by artificial intelligence, to all courts by establishing a fully-fledged nationwide transcription centre.
Koome said the move will facilitate transcription services and address persistent problems of delayed proceedings.
She admitted that while they work to harness technology to enhance the administration of the justice system, they have encountered numerous challenges.
Koome emphasized its commitment to addressing the issues, eliminating system failures, and improving the storage capacity and security of judicial data centres.
The CJ spoke through her speech that was delivered by Mombasa High Court Presiding Judge Olga Sewe during the LSK Annual Conference at Diamond Leisure Lodge in Kwale County on Thursday.
Koome said the conference signifies a shared commitment to achieving the common goal of ensuring that all Kenyans have access to justice.
She said the forum serves as a crucial venue for advocates to explore and analyze the ever-evolving opportunities and challenges in the legal framework.
Koome called for a collective responsibility to work towards realizing a better present and future for the country.
She noted that recent incidents of abduction and killing of protesters demonstrate that the full promise of transformative constitutional reforms is yet to be realized.
Koome urged members of the judicial and the legal fraternity not to ignore the challenge as they strike at the heart of the rule of law, good governance and social justice.
