This archive report was first published on 29 June 2021.
On June 28, 2021, Chief Justice Martha Koome unveiled plans to introduce night court shifts in a bid to expedite the delivery of justice. The new approach aims to improve the efficiency of Commercial Courts and Anti-Corruption and Economic Crimes Courts.
Speaking at the 2nd Annual symposium for Tribunals in Mombasa, Koome emphasized the need for the Judiciary to innovate and adopt measures to increase efficiency in service delivery. She noted that the institution is coming up with unique interventions, including the adoption of 'night court' shifts, to enhance the performance and resolution of cases in real-time.
"We will begin by coming up with interventions and measures in consultation with all judicial officers. For instance, we are considering creating programmes that would ensure court sittings between 5.00 p.m. and 8.00 p.m to enhance their performance and resolution of cases in real-time," said Koome.
The Chief Justice further noted that the Judiciary under her leadership was in the process of opening more small claims courts in low-income areas to reduce the distance litigants travel to access services, especially in cities. She directed that no court case should stay in a trial court beyond a timeline of three years and an appellate court beyond one year.
