Koome To Meet New LSK Leaders Over Huduma Centre Desks
Written by Annete Awuor on March 2, 2024
Chief Justice Martha Koome has invited the Law Society of Kenya (LSK) to a meeting on Thursday to discuss the petition filed by the bar association against the rollout of Judiciary Desks at Huduma Centers.
The LSK claimed in a letter dated February 6, 2024, that despite the efforts to establish a consultative forum on the said matter the Judiciary had remained unresponsive.
On Saturday, Koome’s office however said it will not included in the e-filing services to be launched on March 11.
“In view of the proceedings pending before the High Court (Nairobi Const. Petition No E030 of 2024 & Nairobi Const. Petition No E032 of 2024), the six pilot Judiciary Desks at Huduma Centres do not form part of the e-filing services scheduled to be launched on 11th March, 2024 in spite of previous correspondence to this effect. The programme has also been revised accordingly,” the CJ’s office said.
Koome promised to facilitate structured quarterly meetings between the Judiciary Leadership Team and the LSK (National Office) and LSK Branch Leadership as a mechanism to assure continued constructive dialogue.
The LSK issued a seven-day ultimatum on Friday, March 1, to start substantive talks before launching the Judiciary Desks in various Huduma Centers, run under the Ministry of Public Service.
The bar association had advised its membership to boycott the provision of all court services and their attendance to matters in court on March 11.
The Judiciary announced the planned activation of Judiciary Desks at several Huduma Centers on January 24, with access to certain services across the centers.
Some of the services include filing a new civil case, filing documents in an existing case, and requesting for and issuance of summons.
The desks would also field requests for issuance of mentioned dates, general case inquiries, E-filing support, payment of fines and deposits, and virtual court support.
However, the LSK opposed the move saying it lacked stakeholders’ consultation, claiming it will attract masqueraders and increase unethical practices.
Former LSK President Theuri said there ought to be consultation before the availing of Judiciary services at Huduma Centres.
“Chances that the initiative can be abused by masqueraders and increase avenues for unethical practices abound,” he said.
