JUDICIARY SERVICES

CS Kuria criticises LSK over resistance to Huduma Centers' Judicial services

“Dear LSK. What's wrong with citizens using Huduma Centres to access Judiciary Services?” Kuria posed

In Summary
  • He argued that the society had misinterpreting the independence of the Judiciary.

  • The CS noted the government was keen on ensuring there is no discrimination in service delivery to Kenyans.

Public Service, Delivery and Performance Management Cabinet Secretary Moses Kuria.
Public Service, Delivery and Performance Management Cabinet Secretary Moses Kuria.
Image: FILE

Public Service Cabinet Secretary Moses Kuria has criticized the Law Society of Kenya (LSK) over its strong resistance to the planned rollout of judicial services in Huduma centers.

Defending the move, Kuria said there was nothing wrong in having the public use the centers to access the services.

He argued that the society had misinterpreting the independence of the Judiciary.

“Dear LSK. What's wrong with citizens using Huduma Centres to access Judiciary Services?” he posed.

The CS noted the government was keen on ensuring there is no discrimination in service delivery to Kenyans.

“CJ Martha Koome and I are determined to revolutionize access to Judiciary services through the Huduma innovation. Let us be,” he said.

A post on the Judiciary's social media handles states that the rollout of the services is set for Nairobi and Thika starting Monday under phase one before the nationwide implementation.

At least eight services which include filing a new civil case, filing documents in an existing case and requesting for and issuance of summons would be accessed in the centres.

Other services are request and issuance of mentioned dates, general case inquiries, e-filing support, payment of fines and deposits and virtual court support.

"From January 29, 2024, you can access the following services in six Huduma Centres. They include GPO Nairobi, City Square, Makadara, Kibra, Eastleigh and Thika," the notice read.

The Judiciary said it is seeking to leverage the success of the centers and particularly the technology deployed to enhance access to justice by Kenyans.

Lawyers have, however, protested the move saying it will lead to an increase in unethical practices, further questioning why the Judiciary was quick to implement the plan without sufficient consultation at a time when concerns were rife that the Judiciary was under the executive's chokehold.

LSK President Theuri stated that the initiative should be halted to allow for stakeholders' consultation.

"Such initiatives should not be introduced without adequate prior consultation. Chances that the initiative can be abused by masqueraders and increase avenues for unethical practices abound," he said.


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