As part of the new initiative, Chief Justice Martha Koome announced a pilot programme at the Kibera Law Courts that will introduce virtual court sessions on Saturdays to handle bail and bond applications for suspects arrested over the weekend.
“We can hold virtual hearings on Saturdays to address bail and bond matters for those arrested over the weekend. This is something we can explore,” Koome said.
She explained that the pilot project will first be assessed in Kibra before a decision is made on whether to roll it out to other courts nationwide.
During the dialogue forum, residents raised various concerns about their experiences with the justice system. Some complained that suspects facing serious criminal charges are often granted bail too easily, sparking fears about public safety.
Others said they experienced difficulties recovering bail or bond money even after their cases were concluded, calling for clearer procedures and greater accountability within the courts.
Participants also expressed concern over lengthy delays in the handling of gender-based violence cases, urging the Judiciary to establish specialised one-stop centres to fast-track such cases and improve support for survivors.
Local leaders echoed these concerns, calling for urgent legal reforms to address the practice of holding suspects arrested on Fridays until Monday. They argued that the practice unfairly affects minor offenders and creates opportunities for abuse, including alleged bribery by law enforcement officers.
Koome reaffirmed the Judiciary’s commitment to reforms aimed at making justice more accessible, fair, and responsive to the needs of ordinary Kenyans, noting that public input would be central to shaping future reforms.
