Image from Nation.co.ke
The move at the Mombasa Law Courts is seen as one that will eliminate the issue of “missing files” which is synonymous with the Kenyan judiciary, dragging cases out for many months.
"In the next few weeks anyone wishing to view their files including members of the press would just need the case file number to access it," Mombasa chief magistrate Stephen Riech told The Star.
"We have also installed the screens to avoid congestion in the court rooms. Members of the public can get the result they require by watching those screens."
The project has been funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and is part of the ongoing judicial reforms.
Under the new development, the registries at the court will have their own computers and the clerks will be trained to input the data. A case management information system will be used to respond to queries raised by the court through text messaging.
A power backup generator has also been installed to avoid interruption in case of power blackouts.
"We have strengthened our customer care reception to deal with members of the public. We want the place to be people-friendly," said Riech.