Offenders seeking presidential pardon will now be required to make their applications online following the digitization of the petition process.

Power of Mercy Advisory Committee (POMAC) Secretary Macharia Njinu said the Electronic Power of Mercy Petitions Management Information System (ePOMPMIS), launched last year in April, would automate the entire process and allow petitioners to apply online and track the process.

Speaking during a sensitization workshop for stakeholders at the Machakos Youth Centre on Monday, the secretary to the POMAC said the system would enhance transparency and accountability in the petition process.

‘The online petition application will provide feedback to the petitioners through tracking of the process. It will also enhance participation and collaboration,’ he said.

Njinu said the portal is accessible to all stakeholders and members of the public on ePOMPMIS and the e-Citizen platform in line with the presidential directive on the digitization of government services.

‘Anybody, including members of the public, can make a petition on behalf of an offender through the system. They can do it using mobile phones from the comfort of their homes, hence saving time and other travel costs,’ added the POMAC secretary.

He further noted that stakeholders, including the Kenya Prison Service, Judiciary, Probation, and After Care Services, will upload their reports on the system for review by the committee.

POMAC is established under Article 133 of the Constitution and is domiciled in the office of the president.

It advises the president on the exercise of the power of mercy.

Source: Kenya News Agency