This archive report was first published on 1 July 2020.
July 1, 2020 - Nairobi's top courts have taken a significant step towards embracing the digital age with the launch of an e-filing system. The Supreme Court, Court of Appeal, and High Court have officially gone digital, marking a major shift in the way cases are filed and managed.
Chief Justice David Maraga officially launched the e-filing system, which promises to render cases of misplaced and missing files a thing of the past. The system allows litigants to file cases, assess costs, pay, and serve court papers electronically, eliminating the need for manual filing and reducing the risk of lost documents.
According to Chief Registrar of Judiciary Anne Amadi, the process faced several challenges, including resistance from within and outside the Judiciary. Limited resources also contributed to the slow uptake of the e-justice system. However, with the Covid-19 pandemic forcing the Judiciary to fully embrace digital solutions, the e-filing system is now a reality.
As of July 1, about 170 advocates had filed their cases through the system, with the Commercial Division of the High Court registering the highest number. Director of Public Prosecutions Noordin Haji hailed the digitization of the court system, saying it would enhance transparency and reduce cases of corruption.
During the launch, Chief Justice Maraga hinted that he was unlikely to take early retirement, citing the need for him to complete several tasks. His comments came as a response to online and offline attacks from the executive, which have targeted the Judiciary since the nullification of President Kenyatta's re-election in 2017.
