Kenyans have been encouraged to regularly visit court premises to better understand the workings of the judiciary system. Many citizens, unless directly involved in legal matters, rarely attend court sessions, which limit their understanding of how the justice system functions. According to the 8th edition of the Afro Barometer survey conducted in 2022, less than 1 in 10 Kenyans have interacted with government courts in the past two years, highlighting the need for greater awareness and access to justice.
In preparation for the upcoming Judiciary Dialogue Day, Senior Resident Magistrate Hon. Tina Madowo spoke during a live interview, emphasizing that many people seeking court services for the first time are often misadvised or lack proper guidance on how to navigate the system. This situation puts them at risk of exploitation by individuals who may provide false or misleading information.
“We advise all litigants that they do not need a broker to file a case. You can file your case online through the judiciary’s official platforms or seek assistance from a qualified lawyer,” Hon. Madowo said.
The adoption of technology within the judiciary has been hailed as a significant step forward. Online e-case filings and virtual court sessions have streamlined many court processes, making them more accessible to the public.
Paul Vonyoli, Senior Court Assistant at Bungoma Law Court, noted the positive impact of technology on the judicial system. “Since the judiciary embraced technology, we no longer face issues with lost files. Every physical file is backed up online, and even if your file is misplaced, there are systems in place to reconstruct it and ensure you receive justice,” he explained.
Responding to concerns about corruption on court premises, Perpetual Wabwoto, Bungoma Law Court Administrator, highlighted that corruption is a two-way issue, involving both the court users and those seeking improper assistance. She stressed the importance of seeking information from official court channels.
“You do not need to seek information from anyone else in the court premises. We have a customer care desk that provides accurate and reliable information,” Perpetual advised.
Regarding the ongoing challenge of case backlogs, court officials assured the public that measures have been taken to expedite cases. These include special service months like November’s Children National Service Month and the introduction of court-annexed mediation. However, they also noted that not every case will be heard immediately. “We have numerous cases and limited staffing, which is why we encourage alternative methods of resolution,” they explained.
Bungoma Law Court will host its Dialogue Day on January 31st, 2025, starting at 11 a.m. The event will offer a platform for public engagement with members of the bar, court users, and other stakeholders. The goal is to foster greater understanding and collaboration between the judiciary and the community it serves.
