The Judiciary has announced a 99 per cent reduction in the backlog of cases through the use of modern technology.
Speaking in Naivasha during the conclusion of a five-day magistrates' conference, Deputy Chief Justice Philomena Mwilu revealed that out of 181,439 cases filed between July and December 2024, a total of 179,377 cases had been resolved.
She highlighted that employing technology had made this possible and urged judicial officers to manage court processes by using all the tools at their disposal for effectiveness.
Mwilu, however, expressed concerns over the ongoing budget cuts, warning that this trend could undermine the progress made thus far, particularly in the training of staff to effectively utilise digital tools.
“Our experience over the past six years has proven that digitisation offers immense benefits to the judiciary. However, it also presents challenges that require careful management,” Mwilu said.
She highlighted issues related to data privacy, digital evidence integrity, and the lack of resources, emphasising that it's not just about the will to train but also building the capacity of judiciary personnel. The DCJ also pointed out concerns regarding virtual hearings, fair trial issues, and the significant challenges of handling digital evidence.
Mwilu urged officers to manage court processes by utilising all available tools, such as the Court User Committee (CUC), to ensure that the courts function efficiently and effectively.
“During this colloquium, you also had the opportunity to engage with the CUC Monitoring, Reporting, and Analysis System (MORAS) for the automation of the receipt of minutes. Without a vibrant and active CUC, there can be no effective or efficient dispensation of justice at any court station,” she added.
Judicial Service Commission Commissioner Jacqueline Ingutiah supported Mwilu's statement, emphasising the Judiciary’s commitment to staff growth.
“We plan to undertake promotions for magistrates and Khadis by June 2025. The reason we did not do so last year is well known – we suffered budget cuts. However, we hope that those who qualify will apply, and we are committed to ensuring that deserving Judicial Officers (JOs) receive their promotions,” Ingutiah said.
Despite the financial challenges, the Judiciary has to push for efficiency, improved service delivery and greater public trust through reforms and digitization.
A backlog of cases refers to a buildup of cases that have not yet been resolved or heard. This can occur for various reasons, such as an insufficient number of judges or court staff, a rise in the volume of cases filed, or a lack of resources to handle the caseload.
