The process of digitizing court records is one that has taken a long while. But starting September, the digital phase of the process will be rolled out. According to Chief Justice David Maraga, this move will do away with the used to handwritten notes by judges, magistrates and other judicial officers, paving way for the ongoing reforms to create efficiency and transparency to encourage Kenyans’ confidence in the Judicial system.
“We will continue to vigorously pursue other elements of digitisation such as replacing the archaic time-consuming tradition of handwritten notes with digital court recording and transcription system beginning with 32 courtrooms around the country,” said Justice Maraga during the opening of the 2019 annual judges conference at a Mombasa hotel in the company of Deputy Chief Justice Philomena Mwilu, Court of Appeal President William Ouko and Director Judicial Training Institute Justice Kathrima M’inoti
The archaic handwriting of notes will be replaced by digital court recording and transcription systems, as the new system will enable the judges and magistrates work faster unlike through the old and outdated handwriting of the court proceedings. Six courts which will benefit from the reform are expected to start operating next month as a sign of seriousness in the ongoing reforms.
He encouraged the judicial officers to familiarize themselves with the issues going on in the world to have in-depth knowledge in handling matters of justice.
“The adjudication of justice requires a knowledgeable Judiciary, a Judiciary that remains aware of evolving issues facing the world in which its clients live and a Judiciary alive to the emerging jurisprudence in various fields,” he added.