Mombasa residents encouraged to utilise small claims courts for swift justice

Mombasa residents have been advised to use small claims courts to address minor issues and lessen case backlogs in higher courts, contributing to many cases taking a long time to be resolved and justice served.

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has been encouraging residents in Mombasa County, and the targets were met after it was determined that some individuals had been disillusioned with pursuing their claims for an extended period, resulting in missed opportunities for justice.

Normally, the small claims court takes less than 60 days to resolve disputes involving less than one million shillings, and 90 per cent of cases submitted in these courts are already resolved.

Kenyans have also been urged to use the e-filing online platform in submitting case documents and tracking these cases.

Speaking to journalists in the Bofu ward of the Likoni Constituency at an event aimed at raising community awareness about legal services provided by these courts, Naila Abdallah, Director of Sisters for Justice, stated that the system would greatly assist citizens with means of accessing their rights quickly.

Naila, an activist who advocates for the rights of children, teenagers, and women, stated that this system allows people to file lawsuits online rather than going to court.

Furthermore, Naila has urged the judiciary to build these courts in different parts of the country because they have immensely benefited the people, particularly those who have lost hope of receiving justice.

Mohamed Jafar, a UNDP representative, stated that these courts had considerably contributed to the reduction of the judiciary's backlog while also resolving conflicts and animosities within communities.

Wyclif Onyungu, an employee at Mombasa County's courts, stated that 90 per cent of cases had been handled since its inception, with over 1600 cases settled just last year.