Court users in Thika can now file their cases online, after the introduction of an electronic filing system, ending years of struggle of physically appearing in court to file cases.

This, according to Chief Magistrate Stella Atambo, will streamline operations, enhance efficiency and enable the court to quickly expedite justice.

Addressing the media from her office, Atambo said the E-filing system launched recently in Kiambu courts by Chief Justice Martha Koome is a great milestone towards the ongoing judicial reforms and seeks to bring quality services closer to Mwananchi.

She said law firms, lawyers and even non-lawyers would be able to file cases online from their offices, thus saving time and money.

She added the platform would help reduce overcrowding in corridors of justice witnessed in past and address case backlogs.

This comes as the government has moved towards digitising most of its services to streamline operations, make services easily available to citizens and enhance efficiency.

‘The e-filing system is intended to help improve operational efficiency in the Thika courts by doing away with the physical presence and journeys that would have previously been required in order to file a case,’ Atambo said.

She appealed to all court users to take advantage of the digital platform, saying a caretaker desk has been put in place to guide litigants through the process.

Shadrack Osano, one of the court users, welcomed the new platform at the court, saying it was easy to understand and time-saving.

He said it was exhausting to have to physically appear in court to file cases, and that the streamlining of operations should be replicated in all the courts in the country.

‘This is the first time I’m using this platform. It will save us a lot, as we will do nearly everything online, from case registration to searching for cases and even paying for court fees via mobile money or credit cards. So it is a welcome move,’ Osano said.

He also noted with concern how files used to disappear when filed physically.

Fredrick Mariga, a Thika-based lawyer, applauded the court, saying lawyers would now not be required to attend court as they would be doing most of their job right in their offices.

Source: Kenya News Agency