In light of the increased spread of COVID-19 in Kenya, on 28th March 2021the Acting Chief Justice Hon. Lady Justice Philomena Mbete Mwilu issued guidelines on the conduct of court operations within the most affected counties of Nairobi, Machakos, Kajiado, Kiambu and Nakuru (‘the zoned area’).
Some of the guidelines put in place include-
- All courts and tribunals within the zoned area have been closed to the public until further notice.
- Physical hearings of civil matters within the zoned area have been suspended. All hearings will now proceed virtually.
- Presentation of documents filed under a certificate of urgency within Nairobi shall continue on the Judiciary’s e-fling platform.
- Presentation of documents filed under a certificate of urgency in the zoned area other than in Nairobi will also be done online.
- The Judiciary will provide service support for users of the e-filing platform between 10.00 am and 12.00 am and between 2.00 pm and 4.00 pm.
- Plea taking and urgent hearings in criminal matters within the zoned area will now be conducted virtually.
- The Staff of Courts and Tribunals within the zoned area are now required to work remotely where possible and only a maximum of 30% of the staff will be allowed to be present at each station.
The guidelines by the Acting Chief Justice can be found here.
We shall keep you updated on any further developments. Please contact us at info@cfllegal.com should you require further information.
