By Chris David
In a landmark move toward modernizing Kenya’s justice system, the Judiciary has officially launched a nationwide electronic filing (e‑filing) system that allows litigants, lawyers, and the public to file cases and track proceedings online from anywhere in the country.
The rollout, spearheaded by Chief Justice Martha Koome, marks a major step in digitizing court operations and improving access to justice.
Speaking during the official unveiling, CJ Koome emphasized that the e‑filing platform, integrated with an online causelist portal and case tracking dashboard, is designed to reduce congestion in court registries, promote transparency, and make judicial services more efficient and accessible.
“This platform ensures that no Kenyan is left behind in accessing justice. Whether you are in Mandera, Turkana, or Nairobi, justice will now be a click away,” said CJ Koome.
The system eliminates the need for physical presence in courts during case filing, significantly cutting travel costs and delays associated with manual processes.
Litigants and legal practitioners can now upload documents, monitor court schedules, and receive case updates in real time.
The Judiciary has also committed to a phased withdrawal of paper-based filing, with all filings to be processed exclusively online starting July 1, 2024.
This move is expected to reduce paperwork, streamline court administration, and contribute to environmental sustainability.
Importantly, the Judiciary has partnered with Huduma Centres and other community access points to support users without internet or digital literacy, ensuring inclusivity in the digital transition.
“This is a transformational shift in the way we deliver justice. It demonstrates our commitment to a transparent, people-centered and technology-driven judicial system,” added Chief Registrar of the Judiciary, Anne Amadi.
Legal professionals have welcomed the innovation, saying it will increase efficiency and reduce backlog, especially in overburdened courts.
With Kenya’s Judiciary now aligned with global e-justice standards, the new system is poised to enhance trust in the legal process and promote the rule of law in the digital age.