Chief Justice (CJ) Martha Koome has unveiled new guidelines to be used by the Judiciary to expedite the payment of fines and cash bail.
In a press statement sent to newsrooms, the CJ says the objective of the guidelines is to improve the efficiency of the judicial system, address the concerns of court users, and harness technology to streamline the process.
As a result, the judiciary announced that the processing of payments will now occur in open court, thereby increasing transparency.
“This move is in line with the Judiciary’s adoption of technology using the Case Management System, which enables electronic payment of court fees, fines, and deposits,” said the statement,
Additionally, the system will generate online invoices and receipts and the entire payment process.
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The Judiciary states that pleas must be registered by 9:00 a.m. in order for the system to guarantee the timely processing of penalties and bail; however, in circumstances where this is not practical, Court Users' Committees will be needed to provide guidance.
The system also requires every court that accepts pleas to have two court assistants; the first assistance will assist the magistrate with different court duties, while the second assistant will process payments for fines and cash bail.
“This includes generating invoices, providing copies to the accused, and facilitating payments through the online portal,” read part of the statement.
The new rules also specify that suspects who cannot pay in open court will receive an invoice and be given a reasonable amount of time to pay their penalties or cash bail.
According to the judiciary, committal warrants will be prepared for people who don't pay by 4:00 p.m. on the day of their plea.
The judiciary has also ensured that financial controls are upheld by assigning an accountant to each courthouse in charge of daily income collection reconciliation.
“The Judiciary’s Directorate of ICT is committed to automating these processes within 30 days, enhancing efficiency and accessibility,” assured the Judiciary.
