By Dorothy Musyoka
In a significant step towards improving service delivery within Kenya’s justice system, Chief Justice Martha Koome has today launched three pivotal initiatives aimed to centralize and streamline operations across various Tribunals.
These initiatives include the Tribunals’ Shared Service Infrastructure at Kenya Re Towers, the Tribunals’ Website, and the Tribunals’ Registry Manual.
According to the CJ the Shared Service Infrastructure brings all Tribunals under one roof at Kenya Re Towers, providing a one-stop location for citizens to access Tribunal services.
“The Shared Service Infrastructure centralizes all Tribunals at Kenya Re Towers, offering a one-stop location with shared administrative services. This move addresses the previous challenge of Tribunals being scattered across the city, making it difficult for citizens to find the services they needed. Now, all Tribunals are easily accessible in one place,” explained CJ Koome.
In an effort to make legal information more accessible, the Tribunals’ Website was launched, offering a comprehensive resource for Kenyans.
“The Tribunals’ Website is designed to make information more accessible to Kenyans. Through the website, citizens can learn how to lodge cases, view cause lists, find out when Tribunals will be sitting outside Nairobi, and access other relevant information,” she added.
The launch of the Tribunals’ Registry Manual marks a milestone in standardizing registry operations across all Tribunals. Previously, each Tribunal operated independently, leading to inconsistencies and confusion for litigants.
The new harmonized manual provides clarity and consistency, streamlining operations and ensuring a uniform approach to registry processes.
These initiatives are part of a broader effort to transition Tribunals from the Executive to the Judiciary, with 26 Tribunals successfully integrated so far.
According to the Chief Justice the transition aligns the Tribunals with the Judiciary’s ethos, emphasizing high-performance standards, the use of technology, and innovative practices to ensure efficient and fair service delivery.
CJ Koome acknowledged the impacts of the transition in the judicial performance.
“The impact of this transition is already evident in the Tribunals’ impressive performance, as demonstrated by a Case Clearance Rate of 111% in the last financial year, resolving 15,173 cases compared to 13,712 filed. The Rent Restriction Tribunal, the Business Premises Rent Tribunal, the Tax Appeal Tribunal, and the Cooperative Tribunal have led with the highest clearance rates,” stated the CJ.
However the CJ hailed the Cabinet’s approval of the Tribunals Bill last year, calling on the National Assembly to expedite the legislative process to finalize this transition.