Chief Justice (CJ) Martha Koome has officially unveiled the Mahakama Popote Guidelines, a standardised framework aimed at enhancing virtual case handling in Kenya’s Magistrates’, Kadhis’, and Small Claims Courts.
The guidelines were launched on June 24, 2025, during the 12th Annual Heads of Station Forum held in Makueni County.
The Mahakama Popote programme will leverage technology to allow judicial officers to hear and determine cases regardless of the physical location where the matter was filed.
“This innovation removes geographical barriers and promotes flexibility, efficiency, and timely access to justice,” CJ Koome noted.
CJ Koome explains on the Mahakama Popote virtual court guide
Through this approach, judicial officers in courts with lighter workloads can assist stations with heavy caseloads, promoting efficient use of resources and timely justice delivery.
“Through virtual courts and e-filing, officers in stations with lower caseloads can assist stations with higher caseloads without the need for physical travel,” said CJ Koome.
“By overcoming geographical constraints, Mahakama Popote promotes efficiency, flexibility, and timely access to justice,” she added.
According to the Chief Justice, the system has shown a significant impact since its inception in October 2022.
Impacts of the Mahakama Popote
As of March 2025, a total of 17,389 cases had been referred through the Mahakama Popote platform, out of which 12,940 were concluded and 4,449 remained pending.
“These numbers show the transformative potential of this innovation,” CJ Koome remarked.
She noted that the programme aligns with the Judiciary’s broader vision under the Social Transformation through Access to Justice (STAJ) blueprint.
The newly launched guidelines are intended to provide a clear, consistent, and accountable framework for managing cases virtually.
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CJ Koome reiterated the Judiciary’s commitment to maximising the use of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) to enhance justice access and overall service delivery.
She also reminded Heads of Station of their critical role in ensuring the success of the virtual system by supervising efficient and responsive registry operations.
The use of the Mahakama Popote Virtual Court Guide encouraged
The Chief Justice noted that for many court users, the registry is the face of the Judiciary, and how it operates can shape public confidence.
“A poorly managed registry, where files are lost or delayed, or where service is slow or opaque, erodes confidence in the justice system,” she warned.
“Let every station reflect the ethos of judicial excellence from our courtrooms to our registries,” Chief Justice Martha Koome advised.
CJ Koome commended judicial officers for their resilience in the face of challenges, noting that some had gone beyond normal working hours to handle urgent bail, bond, and habeas corpus applications.
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She assured the public that the Judiciary would remain firm in its mandate to uphold the rule of law, especially during times of democratic and political strain.
“Our judges and judicial officers will remain steadfast in their role as stewards of justice, resolving disputes impartially, upholding constitutional values, and applying the law fairly, without fear, favour, bias, or ill will,” she concluded.
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