Dutch Ambassador to Kenya Exalts E-filing Program

Kiambu

Thursday, July 20, 2023

KNA by Cedric Karungaru

The Dutch Ambassador to Kenya Mr. Maarten Brouwer has noted the special relationship the Dutch have had with the Judiciary in Kenya, through the expansion of services and training in partnership with the International Development Law Organization.

Brouwer who was speaking today during the launch of the e-filing system for the Kiambu law courts presided over by Chief Justice Martha Koome said the e-filing program is an important step as the parties move forward in the relationship

“Through our initiatives, we are focused on achieving people-centered justice, which is in line with the Chief Justice’s ‘social transformation through access to justice’ initiative, this allows us to be more connected with the people and to bring more awareness within the system,” Brouwer said.

He added that there has been a transition in the support from The Netherlands to a number of different sectors within the judiciary that offer a wider approach to achieving the goals of justice in the country and by extension Kiambu County

Brouwer said additionally, the collaboration has improved sectors in the Judicial system through automation of the judicial processes, specialized SGBV courses, alternative dispute resolution mechanisms and upscaling the small claims courts to handle commercial business. 

“Through our partner the IDLO, we have specifically improved, notably, the development and implementation of a case tracking system, which is the e-filing system we are launching today alongside the e-payment system as well as supporting the rollout of SGBV courts to enhance access to justice for the most vulnerable,” he said. 

The Ambassador said the continued improvement of the Judicial system through its partners is set to improve Kenya's ranking on the ease of doing business index improving its business opportunities in the international community. Kenya currently sits in 53rd place out of 190 countries in the latest annual rating by the World Bank. 

Since 2012 The Netherlands and Kenya have had a mutual interest in improving the Justice system in the country.

Courtesy ; K. N. A