Judiciary rolls out virtual courts in Murang’a prisons to speed up justice and decongest correctional facilities

The Judiciary has expanded its digital justice reforms to Murang’a County in a bid to ease congestion in prisons and enhance access to justice through virtual court sessions.

Speaking during a visit to Maranjau Prison, Murang’a High Court Presiding Judge, Lady Justice Cecilia Githua, said the Judiciary is committed to promoting social transformation through technology-driven court services.

Justice Githua, accompanied by key stakeholders from the criminal justice system, donated laptops to facilitate virtual hearings, saying the innovation will improve efficiency and minimize delays in case management.

“We are here to consult with stakeholders because it is part of our responsibility as judges to check the living conditions of those undergoing rehabilitation,” said Justice Githua. “As partners in the justice system, we must collaborate on ways to ensure justice is accessible to all.”

Maranjau Prison, located in Maragua Constituency, is now set to host virtual court sessions following the donation of five laptops. The digital shift is expected to reduce delays caused by the poor road network and the high costs of transporting remand inmates to Kenol Law Courts.

“This prison is located about twenty kilometres from the main road, and the access road is in poor condition. With virtual courts, inmates can now attend sessions from within the facility, saving both time and transport costs,” she noted.

Justice Githua further revealed that the Judiciary is working with other institutions to find long-term solutions to overcrowding, as Maranjau currently houses 425 inmates despite its capacity of 300 a situation that continues to strain resources and facilities.

Representing the Law Society of Kenya (LSK) Murang’a Chapter, advocate Mbui Ndegwa commended the Judiciary’s efforts and pledged the LSK’s continued partnership in offering legal aid to inmates and remandees.

“We have been partnering with correctional services in providing legal assistance, and we will continue to support this digital court initiative to ensure every inmate receives fair hearing,” said Ndegwa.

Stakeholders also appealed to the Ministry of Interior and the State Department for Correctional Services to boost ICT infrastructure in prisons to complement the Judiciary’s digitization agenda.

During the visit, the delegation also donated hygiene items such as toothbrushes, toothpaste, toilet paper, and foodstuffs to improve inmates’ welfare.

In a related development, 106 inmates were released from Maranjau Prison as part of ongoing efforts to decongest correctional facilities and promote access to justice across Murang’a County.