Deputy Chief Justice Philomena Mwilu has called on judicial officers to uphold fairness, independence, competence, and integrity in the delivery of justice, emphasizing the importance of remaining true to their oath of office.
Speaking during the conclusion of the Magistrates’ and Kadhis’ Colloquium in Naivasha, Justice Mwilu reminded Magistrates and Kadhis of their constitutional mandate to dispense justice without fear, favour, bias, or influence—political, religious, or otherwise.
The colloquium, themed “Digital Transformation, Technology and The Law – Tech Justice,” brought to the fore the Judiciary’s efforts to integrate technology in its operations. Justice Mwilu highlighted both the opportunities and challenges brought about by digitization, noting the Judiciary’s progress over the past six years.
“Our experience has proven that digitization offers immense benefits to the Judiciary. However, it also presents challenges that require careful management,” said the DCJ.
Among the key issues raised were concerns over data privacy, integrity of digital evidence, the digital divide, and outdated legal frameworks. Justice Mwilu also pointed to the need for capacity building among Judiciary personnel to keep pace with the evolving digital landscape.
She emphasized the importance of culture change and resource allocation, particularly in light of virtual hearings and their implications for fair trial rights. Judicial officers also explored topics such as artificial intelligence, data protection, and regulatory frameworks—both local and international.
On performance, the DCJ lauded Magistrates for a 99% case clearance rate, with 179,377 cases resolved out of 181,439 filed between July and December 2024. However, she expressed concern over the average workload per magistrate—approximately 1,332 cases—which poses challenges to efficiency and wellbeing.
Justice Mwilu urged the officers to leverage tools such as the Court User Committee (CUC) and its Monitoring, Reporting and Analysis System (MORAS) to enhance court operations.
“You cannot pour from an empty cup. Your well-being is crucial. Despite the challenges, I urge you to remain steadfast in your duty to serve Kenyans with fairness and dedication,” she added