Judiciary developing mobile app to file and track cases

Kenyans will soon file cases and access case information without having to visit court premises as a mobile application by the Judiciary is under development.

Chief Justice Martha Koome announced on Monday during a virtual keynote address at the opening of the Small Claims Court Annual Symposium that the EJudiciary mobile app is slated for completion in April.

The app, according to the CJ, will feature two main modules; a public-facing e-filing interface and an internal case-tracking system. Both will be accessible through the Google Play Store.

“This mobile application will streamline court operations by enabling the public to access case information, including historical activities, outcomes, and future proceedings, without the need to visit court premises,” Koome said.

“It will also facilitate the online filing of cases by law firms, advocates, and the general public, significantly reducing physical and financial barriers to accessing justice services, especially for vulnerable groups and small businesses predominantly run by women.”

CJ Koome said the app is a collaboration between the Office of the Registrar Magistrates Court and the Directorate of ICT, in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).

“In this digital age, we must continuously look for ways to bring the court closer to the people, ensuring that geographical distance or socioeconomic status does not stand in the way of accessing justice,” she said.

In May last year, the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) launched a similar online platform for Kenyans to raise complaints and request case reviews online.

Dubbed the Malalamishi System, the platform allows members of the public to lodge a complaint of a criminal nature with the ODPP and also anonymous reporting through the Complaints Module.

The then Director of Public Prosecutions Noordin Haji said the platform would give room for whistle-blowers and make it easy to track the status of a complaint since a reference number is allocated.