By Caroline Katana
Kenya’s Judiciary has taken a bold leap into the digital age with the launch of a KES 250 million Local Area Network (LAN) connectivity project in 42 court stations across the country.
The initiative, funded by the Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) through the Universal Service Fund (USF), was officially launched at Msambweni Law Courts in Kwale County.
“This is not just about switching on the internet—it’s about building a digital highway for justice,” said Chief Justice Martha Koome, who presided over the event.
Chief justice Martha KoomeÂ
Closing the Digital Justice Gap
For years, poor connectivity in remote courts has slowed down Kenya’s justice system. Courts struggled with weak Wi-Fi, virtual hearings dropped mid-session, and e-filing systems lagged behind.
Now, the Judiciary is flipping the script.
“Bandwidth is no longer a luxury, it is the oxygen of a digital justice system,” CJ Koome declared.
With high-speed LAN infrastructure now installed, court users can expect faster virtual hearings, smooth e-filing, real-time case access, and a dramatic reduction in physical appearances.
Justice for All. Everywhere
The Chief Justice emphasized that technology is the great equalizer in justice delivery.
“A witness in a remote village can testify via video without traveling for days. An advocate in Nairobi can file for a case in Msambweni instantly. This is justice reaching every Kenyan, no matter where they live,” She said.
The project aligns with the Judiciary’s Social Transformation through Access to Justice (STAJ) blueprint, which aims to create a citizen-centered, digitally empowered justice system.
A Model for Government Collaboration
Present at the launch were ICT Cabinet Secretary William Kabogo, PS Broadcasting Stephen Isaboke, Chief Registrar of the Judiciary Winfrida Boyani, and CA officials.
“This is a giant leap in using tech to power public services. It aligns with our Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda,” said CS Kabogo.
“What we’re seeing today is how infrastructure drives transparency, accountability, and service delivery,” added PS Isaboke.
ICT Cabinet Secretary William Kabogo
No Compromise on Justice
Justice Koome issued a strong warning to judicial officers on integrity.
“Taking bribes is a betrayal of the Constitution. The court is a place for fairness, not for shortcuts,” she said firmly.
She also addressed cultural practices interfering with justice, particularly in cases involving minors.
“Let me be clear—defilement cases must not be resolved through customary systems. They belong in court. Children must be protected by law, not compromised by tradition.”
Beyond Courtrooms: Embracing ADR
While hailing Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) and traditional justice systems, Koome reminded Kenyans that some matters must strictly go through formal courts.
“ADR is not a second-class option. It’s fast, culturally rooted, and constitutionally recognized—but it must never be misused,” she said.
She encouraged Kwale residents and all Kenyans to embrace multiple channels of justice, while knowing which cases demand legal redress.
Court Users: Your Voice Matters
The Chief Justice urged the public to engage with their local Court User Committees (CUCs).
“These committees let you speak directly to the justice system. Use them. Tell us what’s working, what’s not. Let’s build justice together,” she said.
Communication Authority of Kenya Director General David Mugonyi
Bigger Vision Ahead
Communication Authority Director General David Mugonyi noted that since 2018, the USF has connected nearly 800,000 people in 24 counties and transformed 56 libraries into digital hubs.
“This LAN rollout is about building a foundation for long-term justice delivery, especially in rural Kenya,” He said.
USF Chair James Ongwae pledged more action under the 2023–2027 strategy, which targets digital skills, device access, and connectivity expansion.
Justice, Reimagined
The Msambweni event is more than a launch—it’s a declaration that Kenya’s justice system is transforming, and no region will be left behind.
“We’re not digitizing for the sake of it. We’re doing it to make justice more open, more responsive, and more Kenyan,” Said CJ Koome.
With 42 courts now digitally connected and more to follow, Kenya is proving that justice can—and must—move at the speed of technology.
