The Judiciary and Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) officially launched a KES 250 million Local Area Network (LAN) project Friday at Msambweni Law Courts in Kwale County. The initiative connects 42 law courts across 29 counties, enabling virtual hearings and digitised case management.
Funded by the Universal Service Fund (USF), the project seeks to bridge the justice gap and improve access to legal services, particularly in underserved regions.
LAN rollout brings virtual hearings to 29 counties
Through this project, law courts can now conduct video-based trials, bail hearings, and remote case management, thereby transforming the delivery of justice. With high-speed connectivity and real-time data sharing, manual processes are giving way to efficient, tech-driven operations.
The Western and Coastal regions recorded the highest number of upgrades. Bungoma leads with three upgraded courts: Sirisia, Kimilili, and Webuye. Kilifi and Mombasa counties follow with two each. Other beneficiaries include courts in Turkana, Marsabit, Machakos, and Kakamega, reaching both urban and deeply rural populations.
These upgrades reduce travel costs and long wait times. For instance, a resident in Turkana no longer needs to travel 400 kilometres to attend a court session, they can now participate virtually.
Justice transformation in action
The initiative is part of the Judiciary’s Social Transformation through Access to Justice (STAJ) plan and aligns with Kenya’s Digital Superhighway programme. According to Chief Justice Martha Koome, the project brings justice closer to the people and enhances fairness through timely digital access.
The CA’s Director General, David Mugonyi, emphasised the long-term impact: since 2018, USF has already connected nearly 800,000 Kenyans to mobile networks and upgraded 56 libraries into e-resource centres. The LAN project builds on this success, especially for underserved populations.
By streamlining communication and case handling, the Judiciary aims to reduce Kenya’s huge backlog of over 635,000 pending cases. This move not only improves efficiency but also fosters trust in the legal system.
Connecting the dots: Tech meets public service
From Kirinyaga to Wajir, and from Baringo to Mombasa, the 42 connected courts span a vast and diverse geography. Every connected law court represents a leap toward a more inclusive legal system.
ICT Cabinet Secretary William Kabogo hailed the project as a giant leap forward for Kenya’s Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA). He stressed the role of tech in driving equitable development.
This partnership between the Judiciary and CA proves that public service delivery can be reimagined through strategic digital investments. With fibre cables replacing files and routers replacing red tape, Kenya’s justice system is finally catching up with the times.
