Kenyans now will have an opportunity to file complaints, track progress as well as request for a review of court cases through a digital platform.
This follows the launch of an online platform by the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) that sets in motion plans to expeditiously dispense cases involving petty offenders through a paperless platform.
Speaking at Nairobi Remand prison in industrial area, the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Noordin Hajj said the system will enhance efficiency and transparency while reducing backlog of cases.
The DPP raised alarm over the congestion on inmates saying the ODPP Malalamishi Complaints system will the proverbial slow wheels of justice.
“The 134 prison facilities in Kenya are currently holding over 60,000 persons yet they have a capacity of 30,000 people. Pretrial detainees are 35,000 which is 51% of total prison population,” said Haji
“In a bid to further decongest our prisons the ODPP has reviewed 1, 419 files from the Nairobi remand prison from Makadara, Kiambu, Milimani and Kibera,” he added
The platform will enable the public easily track progress of their case via a short message service sent to their cell phones notifying them of the next mention and hearing of their cases.
The Commissioner General of Kenya prison service Brigadier Retired John Kebaso and civil society groups welcomed the move saying it is timely in fasttracking cases and in turn reduce congestion in prison through a speedy justice system.
