This archive report was first published on 23 April 2020.
As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to spread in Kenya, the Court of Appeal has introduced new guidelines to minimize the risk of infection in court proceedings.
According to the 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 a video link.
"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," said Court of Appeal President William Ouko.
The new measures, which were issued on Tuesday, April 21, also allow for the use of WhatsApp online messaging application and email services to serve court orders.
Chief Justice David Maraga had previously suspended open court sittings due to the risk of spreading the virus, which had infected 303 people and claimed 14 lives as of Wednesday.
However, the National Council of Administration of Justice (NCAJ) has now resolved to upscale court sessions, tribunals, and registry services, beginning on Wednesday, April 22.
