Accessing Court Services Online in Kenya: Filing, Payments and Much More

Introduction

The digital transformation of government services in Kenya has made it easier for citizens to access various essential services, including court services. With the advent of platforms like eFiling and ePayment, accessing court services online has become a more convenient and efficient process for individuals and businesses alike. These online platforms allow citizens to file cases, make payments, track the status of cases, and even access court judgments without physically visiting court offices.

In this blog post, we will explore how you can access court services online in Kenya, the available online features, and how to utilize them effectively. Whether you are seeking to file a case, pay court fees, or access your case records, this guide will provide you with the necessary tools and instructions to navigate the online court services available in Kenya.

1. Overview of Court Services in Kenya

The Kenyan judicial system is responsible for providing legal services and delivering justice to the public. Courts in Kenya handle a range of cases, including civil, criminal, family, and constitutional cases. The Judiciary of Kenya, under the Judicial Service Commission (JSC), has undertaken major reforms to digitize and improve the efficiency of court processes.

Prior to the digital transformation, individuals had to visit court offices to file cases, pay fees, or even request records. The introduction of online court services through the Kenya Judiciary Portal and eFiling systems has simplified these processes, making it easier for people to access legal services remotely, saving both time and money.

2. The Importance of Accessing Court Services Online

The online system of accessing court services provides numerous advantages to citizens:

• Convenience: Individuals no longer need to physically visit court offices, saving time and travel expenses.

• Efficiency: The system reduces the time spent on administrative procedures, allowing users to file cases and make payments quickly and securely.

• Transparency: The online platforms offer real-time updates on case statuses and allow users to track the progress of their cases easily.

• Accessibility: Court services are now available 24/7, meaning people can access services at their convenience, even outside regular working hours.

• Cost-Effective: With the elimination of physical paperwork and in-person court visits, the overall cost of legal proceedings has been reduced.

3. Key Online Court Services Available in Kenya

Kenya’s Judiciary has developed several online platforms to enhance service delivery. Some of the main online court services include:

• eFiling: This system allows individuals to file cases and petitions electronically, bypassing the need for physical paperwork.

• ePayment: This feature enables users to pay court fees, fines, and other charges online securely.

• Case Search: You can check the status of your case or search for specific case details using the online case tracking system.

• Judgment Search: You can access court judgments and rulings online, including recent case decisions and past verdicts.

• Court Summons and Notices: Courts can send notices, summons, and notifications to litigants via email or text, reducing delays in communication.

• Digital Filing of Evidence: Litigants and lawyers can upload evidence to support their cases electronically, making the process faster and more organized.

4. How to File a Case Online in Kenya: Step-by-Step Guide

Filing a case online in Kenya is simple if you follow the correct steps. Below is a detailed, step-by-step process for filing your case through the eFiling platform:

Step 1: Register on the Judiciary eFiling Portal

Before filing a case, you must create an account on the Judiciary eFiling Portal. To do this:

• Visit the official eFiling website: www.e-filing.judiciary.go.ke.

• Click on the “Register” button to create an account. You will need to provide your personal information, including your full name, ID number, email address, and phone number.

• After registering, you will receive a confirmation email or SMS to verify your account.

Step 2: Log Into Your Account

After successful registration, log into the portal using your username and password. If you have forgotten your password, you can use the “Forgot Password” option to reset it.

Step 3: Select the Court Type and Jurisdiction

Once logged in, choose the type of court where you wish to file your case. Options include:

• High Court

• Magistrate Court

• Environment and Land Court

• Employment and Labor Relations Court

You will also need to select the relevant jurisdiction based on the nature of your case (civil, criminal, family, etc.).

Step 4: Complete the Case Details Form

Fill in the necessary details about your case, including:

• The parties involved (Plaintiff and Defendant).

• The type of case you are filing (e.g., civil, family, criminal).

• The details of your claim, including the grounds of your case.

• Attach any supporting documents or evidence related to your case, such as contracts, letters, or identification documents.

Step 5: Pay the Filing Fees

After completing the case details form, the system will calculate the appropriate filing fees. You can pay these fees directly on the portal using mobile money (M-Pesa, Airtel Money), credit/debit cards, or bank transfers.

Step 6: Submit the Case

Once the payment is made, submit the case for review. The court will receive your application and assign it to a judge or magistrate. You will be notified about your case status, and any further instructions will be sent to you via email or SMS.

5. How to Make Payments for Court Services Online

Paying court fees online in Kenya is a straightforward process through the ePayment system. Below are the steps to follow:

Step 1: Log Into the eFiling Portal

First, log into the Judiciary eFiling portal using your username and password.

Step 2: Select the Payment Option

After completing your case filing or service request, select the “Payment” option. The portal will show a summary of the payment due, including the case type and the corresponding fees.

Step 3: Choose Your Payment Method

Choose from a range of payment options, such as:

• M-Pesa: Use your mobile phone to make payments securely.

• Bank Payments: Choose this option if you prefer to pay via your bank account.

• Credit/Debit Card: You can also use credit or debit cards for payments.

Step 4: Complete the Payment

Follow the prompts to complete the payment. Once the payment is confirmed, a receipt will be generated, and you can download it for your records.

6. How to Track Your Case Online

Once you have filed your case, it is crucial to monitor its progress. The case tracking feature on the Judiciary portal allows you to check the status of your case, including court dates, hearings, and decisions.

To track your case:

• Log into the Judiciary Case Search Portal.

• Enter your case number or the names of the parties involved.

• View the progress of your case, including scheduled hearings and past decisions.

7. Accessing Court Judgments Online

In addition to tracking your case, you can also access court judgments and rulings. This is particularly useful for those who wish to review past cases or for lawyers looking for precedents. To access judgments:

• Visit the Judgments section on the Judiciary portal.

• Enter the case number, court type, or judge’s name.

• Download the judgment in PDF format or view it directly on the website.

8. How to Request Court Records Online

If you need a certified copy of a court document or record, you can request it online. The process is simple and can be done through the eFiling system:

• Go to the Court Records Request section on the eFiling portal.

• Select the type of document you need (e.g., case file, judgment, order).

• Provide the case details and any specific instructions.

• Pay the required fee, if applicable, and wait for your request to be processed.

9. Common Challenges When Using Online Court Services

While online court services are convenient, there are some challenges that users may face:

• System Downtime: Occasionally, the eFiling system may be down for maintenance or updates.

• Technical Issues: Some users may experience difficulty navigating the portal or uploading documents.

• Payment Problems: Sometimes, payments may fail due to network issues or payment gateway errors.

• Slow Response Times: There may be delays in processing cases or requests, depending on the workload at the court.