Judiciary & Huduma Respond Following Lawsuit
On Sunday, January 28, the Judiciary and the Executive, in collaboration with Huduma Kenya, provided clarification on the legality of providing judicial services at Huduma Centres throughout the nation.
This occurred following legal action taken against Chief Justice Martha Koome, Ben Chilumo, the CEO of Huduma Kenya, and Attorney General Justin Muturi regarding the decision.
Carolyne Kamende Daudi filed a case asserting that the collaboration between the Judiciary and the Executive compromised the independence of the Judiciary.
Regarding the matter, Huduma Kenya stated that they had adhered to the law, and the initiative had been in the works since 2021.
“The need for Judiciary desks at Huduma was borne on the need to enhance access to justice for citizens and deepened partnerships that enhance coordination in the administration of justice,” it was explained.
The concept of introducing Judicial services was initially proposed on July 16, 2021, at the Special State Actors meeting of the National Council on Administration of Justice (NCAJ).
In the course of the meeting, consensus was reached on the notion that introducing the Huduma Centre Judiciary Desk would enhance the accessibility of justice for every Kenyan.
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90 days following the NCAJ, a judicial decision mandated the execution of initiatives and programs within a 30-day timeframe to guarantee public and advocate access to courts and services.
“On November 21, 2023, Chief Justice Martha Koome appointed the Steering Committee for the engagement comprising of three senior officers from the Judiciary and officers of the Huduma Kenya Secretariat chaired by Justice Kanyi Kimondo, presiding Judge of the Criminal Division,” Huduma Kenya noted.
The public was also reassured that steps had been taken to safeguard customers from individuals falsely claiming to provide legal aid at Huduma centers.
“The Court registry staff at Huduma Centres will ensure they serve representatives of law firms or Advocates upon presentation of ID cards from their respective law firms or Advocates,” it was reported.
Moreover, entry to the Judiciary counters will exclusively be granted via the Service by Appointment (SBA) platform.
As per information from Huduma Kenya, this measure aims to electronically register and queue customers to detect and eliminate fraudulent activities.
Judiciary & Huduma Respond Following Lawsuit