CJ orders release of written judgments within 24 hours of proceedings
Chief Justice Martha Koome speaks during the administration of oath to members of the Selection Panel for the Recruitment of nominees for appointment as the Chairperson and Members of IEBC at the Supreme Court on January 31, 2025.
What you need to know:
- Judicial officers are required to ensure that advocates and litigants have timely access to court decisions.
- Koome said the directives stemmed from a meeting held by the Judiciary Leadership Team on January 17, 2025.
Chief Justice Martha Koome has directed judicial officers to be releasing judgments and court orders within 24 hours of delivery.
The move, which will enhance accountability and services in the Judiciary, is aimed to address concerns by court users, including delays in judgments and the signing of decrees, summons and orders.
According to an internal memo sent to all heads of court stations, deputy registrars and chairpersons of tribunals by the Judiciary Chief Registrar Winfridah Mokaya, the judicial officers are required to ensure that advocates and litigants have timely access to court decisions.
She said the directives stemmed from a meeting held by the Judiciary Leadership Team on January 17, 2025.
“The Case Tracking System (CTS) has been upgraded to require the mandatory uploading of judgments and rulings before case outcomes can be updated. This measure was introduced to ensure that litigants, advocates, and other stakeholders gain immediate access to court decisions,” said the Registrar.
Therefore, she added, judgments and rulings delivered by Judges and Judicial Officers will be typed and uploaded on the Judiciary e-filing portal within 24 hours of delivery for access by the parties.
The Court Assistants will ensure that decrees and orders emanating from judgments and rulings are extracted and transmitted to the parties within 24 hours of delivery.
Ms Mokaya explained that the transition to a fully online model aims to streamline processes, reduce turnaround times and eliminate the need for physical visits to courts. The automation will also end availability of physical documents as Ms Mokaya said “physical documents will no longer be accessible from the registries”.
“With 24/7 access, users can conveniently access these services anytime and from anywhere, ensuring a seamless, efficient, and customer-focused experience,” she stated.
According to the memo, going forward no judgment and ruling will be delivered "on notice". "Judgment on notice” means that the court will not announce its verdict immediately after the hearing but will inform the parties when the decision is ready.
“The Case Tracking System (CTS) has been configured to ensure that judgment delivery dates are entered within the prescribed statutory timelines. If a judgment is not ready within the prescribed period, the system requires that the next delivery date be recorded. No Judgment and Ruling will be delivered "on notice",” said Ms Mokaya.
To boost the relationship of the Judiciary and the court users, Heads of Court Stations have been directed to ensure that Customer Care Centres are responsive and accessible.
Further that the Centres should be well-equipped with essential infrastructure, including clear signage, communication tools.
“The Centres shall be staffed by competent, well-trained personnel with strong communication, interpersonal, and problem-solving skills to effectively engage with the public,” she said.