CJ Koome issues new guidelines to expedite payment of fines and cash bail

Nairobi, 

Thursday, 28 September, 2023 

McCreadie Andias 

Chief Justice Martha Koome has introduced new guidelines that would ease streamline the effeciency of the Judicial Justice system in expediting payments of fines and bails. 

In a press letter from the Judiciary, the new guidelines address that offenders will now be required to process fines and cash bail payments in open courts after pleading to charges a move that will facilitate Judicial transparency. 

“These new guidelines address the concerns of court users and harness technology to streamline the process. One notable change is that the processing of payments will now occur in open court, increasing transparency,” the statement reads.

The new directive is in line with the Judiciary’s adoption of technology using the Case ‎Management System, which enables electronic payment of court fees, fines, ‎and deposits.

The Judiciary states that the new system not only generates online invoices and receipts but ‎also simplifies the entire payment process.‎

The Judiciary has also directed that every plea-taking court will have two Court Assistants to expedite the process.

“The first assistant will support the magistrate with various court duties, while the second assistant will handle the processing of fine and cash bail payments. This includes generating invoices, providing copies to the accused, and facilitating payments through the online portal,” Koome directed.

In addition to ensure the timely processing of fines and bail, the guidelines require that ‎pleas must be registered by 9:00 am where else Committal warrants will be prepared for those who fail to pay by 4:00 pm ‎on the day of their plea.‎

The CJ stated that accused persons who cannot make payments in open court will receive an invoice and be given a reasonable period to settle their fines or cash bail. 

The chief justice revealed that Efforts have also been made to ensure financial controls are maintained, with ‎each court station having an accountant responsible for daily revenue ‎collection reconciliation.‎

Additionally The Judiciary’s Directorate of ICT is committed to automating these processes ‎within 30 days, enhancing efficiency and accessibility. ‎

“The Judiciary’s Directorate of ICT is committed to automating these processes within 30 days, enhancing efficiency and accessibility. These guidelines represent a significant step towards a more streamlined and technology-driven judicial system, ensuring timely and transparent handling of fines and cash bail, ultimately benefiting court users and the administration of justice,” the CJ said.

The new guidelines come amid decries by lawyers and court users on Corruption within the Judicial Chambers and delay in processing of bail, Delayed court starting time, and the delayed registration of pleas among other many other issues. 

These moves ensure swift and flexible processes in the Judicial Justice system with tightened transparency and adoption of technology.