The Judiciary has directed its staff to work from home to prevent the spread of the deadly coronavirus (Covid-19) whose cases have risen to 16 in Kenya.
In an internal memo by Chief Registrar Anne Amadi, the Judiciary – having been hit hard by restrictions on social distancing – says judicial officers will be using electronic communication such as emails to serve litigants.
To facilitate the filing of urgent matters, Ms Amadi directed the heads of stations to post contact details of two judicial officers outside courts.
STAFF CONTACTS
The contacts details, which will include the name of the judicial officers, mobile phone numbers and email addresses, will be displayed outside the court premises.
The same should also be forwarded to the registrar of magistrate courts to facilitate uploading to the Judiciary’s website.
“Ensure that telephone or email enquiries by the litigants and the public are responded to promptly and appropriately,” directed Ms Amadi while giving the temporary measures taken by the Judiciary to control the spread of the disease.
While directing the heads of stations to notify the public of the directives by placing appropriate notices outside the courts, Ms Amadi stated that the Judiciary will continue providing further guidelines as the situation on Covid-19 unfolds in the country.
ELECTRONIC SYSTEM
She also advised the heads of stations to embrace the new Electronic Case Management Practice Directions, 2020 released by Chief Justice David Maraga recently where practicable under the circumstances.
In issuing the fresh directives, Ms Amadi said the Judiciary staff raised issues regarding their safety as they attend to the court users.
She explained that the directives were made after consideration of the concerns raised by the staff, review of Health Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe’s statement regarding the seriousness of the pandemic and consultation with the chief justice.
SAFETY PARAMOUNT
“It is our view that the health and safety of the entire Judiciary family must be prioritised,” stated Ms Amadi.
The memo, which was copied to the chief Justice and his deputy, was addressed to the judges of the Supreme Court, the Court of Appeal, High Court, Land court, Labour court, judicial officers and judicial staff.
Since the confirmation of the first case in Kenya, the Judiciary scaled down its operations and has been providing minimal essential services such as filling of urgent matters and plea-taking for serious offences so as to ensure delivery of justice is not completely disrupted.