This archive report was first published on 23 April 2020.
On April 23, 2020, the Kenyan courts continued to adapt to the COVID-19 pandemic by adopting technology to mitigate its spread. As part of this effort, Appeal Court President William Ouko set up benches to hear 35 criminal appeals via Skype from April 27 to 30.
The judges will be linked to Kamiti, Garissa, Kisumu, and Kitengela prisons where the appellants are held. Justices Roselyn Nambuye, Asike Makhandia, and Sankale ole Kantai will handle appeals at Kamiti Maximum Security Prison on Wednesday, while Justices Wanjiru Karanja, Patrick Kiage, and Fatuma Sichale will hear appeals at Kisumu Maximum Security Prison.
Other benches will be led by Justices Martha Koome, Daniel Musinga, and Jamilla Mohammed at Kamiti Maximum Security Prison on Tuesday, April 28, and by Justices Hannah Okwengu, Mohammed Warsame, and Stephen Gatembu at Kibos Main Security Prison. Justices William Ouko, Kathurima M'inoti, and Agnes Murgor will hear criminal appeals on Monday, April 27, at Kamiti Maximum Security Prison.
President Ouko directed that filing of appeals and payments be done electronically, and that hearing of appeals be done through video links. Advocates have been asked to ensure they have stable internet connections.
