Rédaction Africa Links 24 with DAVIS AYEGA
Published on 2024-03-07 16:13:30
Chief Justice Martha Koome has expressed her strong support for the establishment of judiciary desks at Huduma Centres in Kenya. This move has been a subject of controversy among legal professionals, particularly the Law Society of Kenya (LSK), who have raised concerns about the inclusion of judicial services in these centers.
Despite reservations from the LSK, CJ Koome emphasized that the registry services provided at Huduma Centres will uphold high standards and improve access to justice for Kenyans. She clarified that the assisted filling desks will be managed by Judiciary registry staff, whose main role is to assist self-represented litigants in uploading their pleadings on the e-filing portal.
Addressing fears raised by the LSK about potential unauthorized individuals providing legal services and concerns regarding judicial independence and the separation of powers, CJ Koome assured that measures would be put in place to safeguard the integrity of the legal profession. She made it clear that judicial officers and judges will not be stationed at Huduma Centres, ensuring that the primary judicial responsibility remains intact.
While the initiative is currently in a pilot phase, with desks being established in select Huduma Centres nationwide, CJ Koome welcomed constructive feedback and collaboration to enhance operational protocols and prevent any misuse of the assisted filling desks. She emphasized the importance of strengthening the systems to deter fraud and maintain the professionalism of the legal services provided.
The registry services offered at Huduma Centres cover a wide range of functions, including filing civil matters, submitting documents for ongoing cases, scheduling mention dates, responding to inquiries, and accessing court rulings and orders. Additionally, these services extend to e-filing support and facilitating payments for fines, deposits, and cash bail, making the judicial processes more accessible and efficient for the public.
In a bid to provide more transparency and information to the public, CJ Koome has taken steps to ensure that the judiciary’s operations at Huduma Centres are clear and secure. By setting up reliable registry services and implementing strict guidelines for staff, she aims to streamline the legal processes and prevent any unauthorized practices within the centers.
As the implementation of judiciary desks at Huduma Centres progresses, CJ Koome remains open to feedback and suggestions to enhance the operational protocols further. She acknowledges the importance of collaboration with stakeholders and the public to create a robust system that upholds the rule of law and serves the interests of all Kenyans.
In conclusion, Chief Justice Martha Koome’s support for establishing judiciary desks at Huduma Centres reflects her commitment to improving access to justice and legal services for the people of Kenya. Through collaborative efforts and proactive measures, she aims to strengthen the judicial system and ensure the integrity and professionalism of legal services provided at these centers.
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