Chief Justice Martha Koome has clarified that that e-filing of cases is not part of the services offered at the Judiciary’s Huduma Center Desks, welcoming talks with the Law Society of Kenya (LSK).
In a statement on March 1, 2024, the Office of the Chief Justice noted that it had revised the roll out plan after LSK filed a petition on February 6 protesting the on-boarding of Judiciary’s services on Huduma Desks.
“In view of the proceedings pending before the High Court (Nairobi Const. Petition No E030 of 2024 & Nairobi Const. Petition No E032 of 2024), the six pilot Judiciary Desks at Huduma Centres do not form part of the e-filing services scheduled to be launched on 11th March 2024 in spite of previous correspondence to this effect,” read part of the statement, signed by CJ’s Chief of Staff Rose Macharia.
According to the Judiciary, the planned program has also been revised accordingly.
Koome announces introduction of Judiciary desks at Huduma Centers
Earlier in January, the Judiciary announced the rolling out of judicial services in Huduma Centers.
The first phase was lined up for Nairobi and Thika before scaling up the services for nationwide implementation.
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According to the Judiciary, the move was part of its plan of seeking to leverage the success of the Huduma Centers and particularly the technology deployed to enhance access to justice by Kenyans.
However, lawyers, through LSK protested the move saying it would lead to an increase in unethical practices.
It triggered a heated debate as the LSK led by its former President Eric Theuri took issue with what he termed a rushed decision.
The lawyers questioned why the Judiciary was quick to implement the plan without sufficient consultation.
According to LSK, the implementation of the plan was done quickly at a time when concerns were rife that the Judiciary was held captive by the Executive.
LSK Stance
During a virtual meeting to deliberate on the matter, which was attended by close to 400 lawyers, LSK urged the court to suspend the implementation until emerging issues were addressed.
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“The Judiciary has also announced that there will be a countrywide roll out of e-filing, so therefore the process of filing proceedings will be virtual as it currently happens. Our thinking is that while this is a good idea, it may be overtaken by time,” Theuri said.
Following the concerns raised, Chief Justice Martha Koome invited LSK for a meeting to discuss the critical issues affecting the administration of justice raised in their letter.
The meeting is scheduled for 7th March 2024 in the Chief Justice’s Boardroom at the Supreme Court Building.
Koome has also welcomed and vowed to facilitate structured quarterly meetings between the Judiciary Leadership Team, the LSK (National Office) and LSK Branch Leadership as a mechanism to assure continued constructive dialogue.
