This archive report was first published on 20 August 2019.
Kenya's Judiciary is on the cusp of a major transformation, with the digitization of court records set to commence in September. According to Chief Justice David Maraga, this move marks the end of the archaic practice of handwriting court notes by judges, magistrates, and other judicial officers.
Speaking at the 2019 annual judges colloquium in Mombasa, Justice Maraga revealed that the new digital court recording and transcription systems will replace the outdated handwriting method. This, he emphasized, is part of the ongoing reforms aimed at creating efficiency and transparency in the Judiciary, thereby bolstering Kenyans' confidence in the system.
Justice Maraga noted that the old handwriting method was time-consuming, and the new system will enable judges and magistrates to work faster. He also highlighted the importance of judicial officers being knowledgeable about evolving issues facing the world, stating, "The adjudication of justice requires a knowledgeable Judiciary, a Judiciary that remains aware of evolving issues facing the world in which its clients live and a Judiciary alive to the emerging jurisprudence in various fields."
As part of the reforms, six courts are expected to start operating next month, with 32 court rooms across the country set to benefit from the new digital system. The Chief Justice was accompanied by Deputy Chief Justice Phelomen Mwilu, Court of Appeal President William Ouko, and Director Judicial Training Institute Justice Kathrima M'Inoti.
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