This archive report was first published on 22 April 2020.
As the coronavirus pandemic continues to spread, the Court of Appeal has introduced new measures to expedite court processes while minimizing the risk of infection.
According to the new guidelines, all court fees will be paid electronically, and documents will only be filed electronically before the hearing of appeals, which will be conducted via video link.
President of the Court of Appeal, William Ouko, emphasized the importance of electronic submissions, stating, "In appeals where case management has not been conducted, parties are encouraged to exchange written submissions limited to 12 pages and to transmit them electronically to the registry."
The guidelines, issued on April 21, also allow for the delivery of judgments electronically or via video link, ensuring that court sessions can proceed despite the suspension of open court sittings.
The decision to suspend open court sittings was made by Chief Justice David Maraga, who cited the risk of the virus spreading in crowded courtrooms. "Sitting court sessions attract people from all walks of life and involve the extensive exchange of papers from one advocate, judicial officer to another, thus accelerating the risk of spreading the virus," he said.
The National Council of Administration of Justice (NCAJ) had initially planned to reopen courts after the Easter festivities but reviewed the directive due to the ongoing COVID-19 situation.
