In light of the recent disruptions at Kikuyu Law Courts, the Head of Station (HOS) has released clear instructions to help in rebuilding court records and managing ongoing cases. These measures aim to restore court functions quickly and fairly, while involving all court users, especially lawyers and litigants.
Rebuilding Lost Court Files
Advocates handling affected matters are asked to take the lead in reconstructing court files. This involves working with the opposing party to collect and file key documents. Where relevant, each reconstructed file should contain:
- The Plaint
- The Defence
- A Reply to the Defence
- Any Written Submissions
The goal is to have all these documents ready before the next mention date shown on the Judiciary’s e-filing system. This timeline will help ensure that cases can resume without unnecessary delays.
The Judiciary will soon confirm the designated registry where these reconstructed files should be submitted. Until then, court users are encouraged to prepare their documents and follow up regularly through the e-filing platform.
Colour-Coding for Reconstructed Files
To maintain order and make court operations easier, each category of case must be filed using a specific colour code. All reconstructed files must follow this system strictly:
- Civil cases should be submitted in blue folders
- Environment and Land Court matters in green
- Succession matters in yellow
- Divorce and miscellaneous matters in white
- Employment and Labour Relations cases in pink
Using the correct colours helps court staff and judicial officers sort, store, and process files efficiently.
How Cases Will Move Forward
Alongside file reconstruction, the Judiciary has shared steps to guide the progress of different types of matters:
- Urgent applications filed under a Certificate of Urgency will be reviewed and processed immediately through the Judiciary’s online filing system.
- Judgments and rulings that were pending before the disruptions will receive updated directions shortly.
- For consents, interlocutory applications, and uncontested succession applications (such as confirmation of grant), the court will assign earlier dates for mention or hearing.
These guidelines are designed to minimize backlog and ensure that both old and new matters continue without avoidable interruptions.
Working Together to Restore Services
The HOS has emphasized the need for cooperation among all stakeholders to help the court resume normal operations. Advocates, parties to the cases, and court staff are all encouraged to play their part in this collective effort. The Judiciary is committed to keeping court services open and responsive, even during recovery.
As the situation evolves, users will be updated on any changes through the appropriate channels. In the meantime, everyone is urged to stay engaged and continue supporting the court system with patience and commitment.
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