Chief Justice Martha Koome has introduced new guidelines that will be used at the Judiciary to expedite the payment of fines and cash bail.
The objective of guidelines is to improve the efficiency of the judicial system, address the concerns of court users, and harness technology to streamline the process.
In a press statement sent to newsrooms, the judiciary announced that the processing of payments will now occur in open court, thereby increasing transparency.
“This move is in line with the Judiciary’s adoption of technology using the Case Management System, which enables electronic payment of court fees, fines, and deposits,” said the statement, adding that the system not only generates online invoices and receipts but also simplifies the entire payment process.
According to the Judiciary, for the system to ensure the timely processing of fines and bail, pleas must be registered by 9:00 a.m., however, in cases where this is not feasible, Court Users’ Committees will be required to provide guidance.
Additionally, the system requires that every plea-taking court will have two court assistants, whereby the first assistant will support the magistrate with various court duties, while the second assistant will handle the processing of fines and cash bail payments.
“This includes generating invoices, providing copies to the accused, and facilitating payments through the online portal,” the statement stated.
The new guidelines also state that accused individuals who cannot make payments in open court will receive an invoice and will be given a reasonable period to settle their fines or cash bail.
The judiciary states that for those who fail to pay by 4:00 p.m. on the day of their plea, committal warrants will be prepared for them.
The Judiciary has also ensured that financial controls are maintained, with each court station having an accountant responsible for daily revenue collection reconciliation.
“The Judiciary’s Directorate of ICT is committed to automating these processes within 30 days, enhancing efficiency and accessibility,” assured the Judiciary.
The guidelines represent a significant step towards a more streamlined and technology-driven judicial system, ensuring timely and transparent handling of fines and cash bail, ultimately benefiting court users and the administration of justice.
By Bernadette Khaduli
