Director of
Public Prosecutions Noordin Haji has launched the Guidelines on Case Decision
to Charge and the electronic filing of cases through a Case Management System.
"The
ODPP has committed to boundless courage in the face of adversity for Kenyans to
ensure a fair, transparent, and just system for all," Haji said.
Chief
Justice David Maraga graced the colourful event, which seeks to reduce massive
court documents and reduce the time a case takes in court.
David
Maraga lauded the Office of Director of Public Prosecutions for automating the
case filing to reduce the case backlog and access to justice without
unnecessary delays.
"Criminals
do not want an effective justice system. Launch of the case management system
hails a new era of justice", CJ Maraga said, adding that there is a need
for a mental shift because, according to him, the digitization is going to be a
new normal in the administration of justice.
The event
was also graced by other agencies fighting graft and insecurity. Interior
Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang'i was in attendance and commended the progress
so far made.
"The
majority of convicted offenders are petty offenders that could have been dealt
with in ways other than imprisonment. In the last year, we have seen a
significant reduction of remandees in our correctional facilities as a result
of guidelines given by the ODPP and the Judiciary," said Matiang'i.
Inspector-General
of Police Hillary Mutyambai said that the National Police Service had commenced
the electronic filing of Occurrence Book. He said this would align and augur
well with ODPP's new system, enhance service delivery, and access records
during the investigation of charges.
Haji
expressed confidence in the new system, saying, "I am confident that these
guidelines will ensure uniformity, predictability, and accessibility when it
comes to dispensing justice to mwanainchi."
Others in attendance were LSK
president Nelson Havi, European Union Ambassador to Kenya Simon Mordue, EACC
chairman Twalib Mbarak among other dignitaries.