Eldama Ravine: The inception of electronic and digital filing systems in the judiciary has drastically reduced the perennial cases of loss of files in courts and instilled efficiency in management of records. Eldama Ravine sub-county Senior Principal Magistrate Richard Koech told stakeholders from Koibatek and Mogotio sub-counties during the Judicial Dialogue day to embrace the new electronic case filing system to improve efficiency in the judiciary system.
According to Kenya News Agency, Koech said the system had streamlined case management and made the process more efficient. “With the introduction of e-filing, the risk of losing files has been significantly reduced, while all documents are now available in both hard and soft copies,” he explained.
The same sentiments were echoed by Resident Magistrate Wilson Kitur, who also emphasized the importance of public engagement. “The policy directs us to interact with court users and the public. This event has allowed me to address questions on succession and criminal cases directly, ensuring that people understand the legal process better,” Kitur said.
Other participants in the judicial system, including the prosecution, were present to address a variety of topics that are crucial to the everyday citizen’s interaction with the legal system. From navigating bail and bond processes to understanding succession cases and handling criminal and traffic-related matters, the event aimed to bridge the gap between the public and the judiciary.
While the event was well-received, the public expressed a desire for more frequent interactions. A participant, Samson Kiptim, urged the government to organize additional meetings to provide more in-depth explanations and answers to questions. “It’s important for people to understand their rights and the court procedures. More meetings would help ensure that everyone has a chance to be heard and to learn,” Kiptim said.
The event, which began at 10:00 am, proved to be a valuable opportunity for the community to engage with the judicial system, ask questions, and gain crucial insights into the legal process. However, it also highlighted the ongoing need for continued dialogue between the judiciary and the public to foster a better understanding of legal rights and procedures.
The two Magistrates expressed their commitment to facilitating future dialogues, aiming to create a more transparent and accessible judicial system for all.