By integrating these courts into a digital network, the project significantly enhances the judiciary’s capacity to deliver timely and efficient legal services, particularly in remote and previously disconnected regions.

A partnership between the Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) and the Judiciary of Kenya has successfully connected 42 law courts to high-speed internet through a Local Area Network (LAN), paving the way for virtual court hearings and improved access to justice for over 6.5 million Kenyans across 28 counties, the CA announced on June 15.

The initiative, implemented at a cost of KSh. 250 million is funded through the Universal Service Fund (USF)—a national program designed to promote equitable access to ICT services in underserved areas.

The deployment of LAN—a system that securely links computers and digital devices within court premises—allows courts to share data instantly, manage cases electronically, and hold virtual hearings with ease. Through this network, courts can now conduct bail applications, plea taking, and even full trials via video conferencing, making judicial processes faster, more efficient, and accessible to more citizens than ever before.

This initiative is part of the Judiciary’s broader Digital Transformation Agenda, which aims to reduce the justice gap by leveraging technology to improve transparency, efficiency, and accountability. By replacing manual systems with real-time digital communication and document sharing, the network enables courts to operate with greater speed and integrity, key issues in a justice system long burdened by backlogs and accessibility challenges.

The move is set to significantly enhance judicial efficiency in Kenya by helping to clear pending cases. The State of the Judiciary and the Administration of Justice Report had 635,262 pending cases for the FY 2023/24. By enabling virtual court proceedings, the project brings judicial services closer to over 6.5 million people, significantly reducing travel time, cost, and logistical barriers to justice.

The initiative supports Kenya’s broader ambitions to modernize public services, reduce regional disparities, and leverage technology to strengthen governance and the rule of law. It also reflects the Judiciary’s ongoing efforts to embrace innovation in line with the Judiciary’s Digital Transformation Agenda and the Kenya Vision 2030 development blueprint.

Hikmatu Bilali