EFFECT OF ELECTRONIC CASE MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS ON ADMINISTRATION OF JUDICIAL JUSTICE IN KENYA

Abstract

The administration of justice is a cornerstone of social order and development, ensuring fairness, accountability, and the rule of law. However, judicial systems globally face challenges that impede their effectiveness. In Kenya, these challenges include case backlogs, corruption, limited infrastructure, and high legal representation costs. Kenya introduced the Electronic Case Management System (ECMS) in 2020 to transform judicial processes by improving efficiency, accessibility, and transparency. This study explored the effect of ECMS on the key aspects of administration of justice at Milimani Law Courts. The study was anchored on the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) and John Rawls’ Theory of Justice. Using a descriptive survey research design, the study utilized a mixed-methods approach with a target population of 90 key stakeholders at Milimani High Court in Nairobi, and the response rate was 88.9%. The study collected primary data using questionnaires and analyzed them using descriptive statistics and inferential analysis. The study found that electronic filing had a positive and significant effect on judicial administration (β=.308, p<0.032); electronic case search was the strongest predictor (β=.436, p =0.01), while electronic requests and extraction of orders (β=.257, p=.004) and electronic payment and receipting (β=.208, p= 0.000) also had positive and significant effects. The study concluded that with a good implementation environment, ECCMS significantly improved judicial administration. The study recommends strengthening internet and backup power, timely updating and indexing of case records, providing assisted digital-service desks and continuous user training, promptly uploading court orders, and improving payment reconciliation and receipt-generation mechanisms.