Top judges propose changes to court rules

The Judiciary, led by Chief Justice Martha Koome, yesterday resolved to amend the Practice and Procedure Rules to streamline court processes.

During a meeting that brought together heads representing the Supreme Court, the Court of Appeal, the High Court, the Employment and Labour Relations Court and the Environment and Land Court in Naivasha, the judge recognised the need to amend the rules, saying the move would address challenges the Judiciary faces in the administration of justice.

“Recognizing the need to review and update the Constitution of Kenya (Protection of Rights and Fundamental Freedoms) Practice and Procedure Rules 2013 to take into account contemporary developments and introduce timelines for various processes, the Hon. Chief Justice will take action to initiate the process of review to these Rules,” the Judiciary said in a statement.

The proposal was among six resolutions agreed by the judges in the meeting that started on Monday and ended yesterday. The resolutions include use of technology in case management, upholding the independence of the Judiciary and the fight against corruption in the institution.

Koome pledged to promote the general welfare of judges and to ensure that judicial decisions are not personalised.

“The Hon. Chief Justice will endeavour to ensure regular rotation of Judges and ensure all Judges are accorded an opportunity of serving in stations and divisions that handle high numbers of public interest matters,” the statement said.

Koome stated that superior courts will give priority to sensitive cases to ensure they are concluded faster.
“The superior courts will endeavour to accord priority to time sensitive cases to ensure their conclusion in a timeous manner,” the Chief Justice said.