Appeal court judge Alnashir Visram has promised to deal with corruption in the judiciary in the first 100 days if appointed Chief Justice and President of the Supreme Court.
Visram, who has served in judiciary for 17 years, said he will also rebuild public confidence in the Supreme Court.
He listed three things that he wants to achieve during his tenure should he be hired for the top job at the judiciary.
He said he would automate court processes to curb corruption and make courts more efficient.
“I would like to see an institution that responds to a digital world where filing of cases can take place online, 24/7. That will also help reduce corruption."
He added: “It is extremely a bad reflection for our judges to be writing judgements using longhand. I want to take judges off the pen and on to the digital world so as they have to focus on their work."
He noted that the automation will also deal with the problem of inaccuracy that is likely evident when judges note down court proceedings using pen and paper.
Visram’s second vision is to deal with corruption, which has plagued the institution.
The judge intends to introduce mediation processes to counter the backlog of cases.
He said half the cases that are in court can be disposed of through mediation, which in turn saves time.
Visram told the commissioners that he is sure to reduce the backlog because he has already done so in the Nyeri appellate court where he managed to clear backlog and write 378 judgments.
He also said if given the job of CJ, he would jealously guard independence of the judiciary and judges.
The judge made his remarks while being interviewed by the JSC panel on Monday morning.
The Judicial Service Commission has commenced vetting of candidates shortlisted for the position of Chief Justice, Deputy Chief Justice and a judge of the Supreme Court on Monday.
Also read: