By Talk Africa Reporter
Nairobi, Kenya: Google has committed $1 million (KSh100 million) for improving access to justice through enhanced connectivity at Kenya’s Judiciary.
Google’s Director for Eastern Africa Agnes Gathaiya says the programme being implemented through Kenya’s Ministry of Information Communication and Technology will aid in the digital migration of courts across the country.
Gathaiya spoke during a meeting with Chief Justice(CJ) Martha Koome confirming that Google remains committed to improve access and affordability of the Internet, driving digital skills, supporting the growth of local online content and accelerating social impact by supporting NGOs and community-based organizations.
The Judiciary support is part of $5 million pledged by Google Chief Executive Officer Sundar Pichai during a meeting with President Uhuru Kenyatta earlier this year for Kenya’s economic recovery during the Covid-19 pandemic.
“Through academics and other independent third parties, we support research and capacity building on subjects such as data governance, Internet governance, copyright in the information age and intermediary liability protection,” Gathaiya told the CJ.
In her comments, Chief Justice Koome said one of the key pillars of her vision on ‘Social Transformation through Access to Justice’ is harnessing the use of technology in delivery of justice.
“The key thrust of the place of technology in my vision will be entrenching virtual court services and applications, ensuring efficient operations of the e-filling systems and rolling out e-filling desks in Huduma Centres,” the CJ said.
This is in addition to computerizing case management processes, co-developing multiagency systems, and computerizing court administration and corporate services.
The Chief Justice added that institutional capacity will be enhanced by upgrading skills and administrative capacity, using technology more strategically to support administrative systems and other functions, and developing better corporate and support services.
Via KBC
