CA Invests KES 250 Million to Digitize Kenya’s Judiciary, Connecting 42 Law Courts to Local Area Networks
The Government of Kenya, through the Communications Authority (CA), has invested KES 250 million to connect 42 Law Courts across the country with high-speed internet, including Msambweni, Marsabit, and Keroka, marking a major milestone in the digital transformation of the Judiciary.
Implemented by CA in collaboration with the Judiciary, the project enables virtual hearings, remote case management, and real-time data access, reducing reliance on physical court attendance and expanding access to justice.
Chief Justice Hon. Martha Koome, who presided over the launch, hailed the initiative as a key step in the Judiciary’s Social Transformation through Access to Justice (STAJ) strategy. She noted that improved connectivity would facilitate inclusive justice, especially for vulnerable and remote communities.
Cabinet Secretary for Information, Communications and the Digital Economy, Hon. William Kabogo, and Stephen Isaboke, Principal Secretary, State Department for Broadcasting and Telecommunications, today witnessed the unveiling of the Local Area Network (LAN) project at Msambweni Law Courts. Hon. Kabogo described the initiative as a giant leap forward in using technology to drive socio-economic development and judicial efficiency.
"Our focus on broadband is due to its unmatched capacity to support meaningful connectivity and spur economic transformation," said CS Kabogo. "This project aligns with our broader goal under the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA) — to roll out 100,000km of fibre optic infrastructure and ensure last-mile broadband access across Kenya within five years."
Broadcasting and Telecommunications Principal Secretary Stephen Isaboke underscored the Government’s commitment to bridging the digital divide and enhancing public service delivery. The initiative is aligned with the Government’s BETA Plan, spearheaded by President William Ruto’s administration. According to the Ministry, two key commitments under the Plan are driving the country’s digital future.
“The Government is steadfast in implementing the Five Pillars of the Digital Superhighway and Digital Economy — which include digital infrastructure, digital services, digital skills, digital entrepreneurship, and digital innovation,” Mr. Isaboke said.
He added that National Government has committed to rolling out 100,000 kilometers of Fibre Optic Network, forming the backbone of a truly connected Kenya.” The Judiciary’s LAN project is part of a broader plan to connect over 74,000 public institutions nationwide within the next two years. This effort aims to boost efficiency, enhance access to justice, and ensure that public services are brought closer to the people.
“By digitizing the Judiciary, we’re directly improving service delivery, boosting transparency, and strengthening accountability across the justice system,” said PS Isaboke. “This is exactly the kind of impact we envisioned under the national digital transformation strategy.”
Hon. Daniel Rono, speaking on behalf of CA Board Chairperson Ms. Mary Mungai, highlighted the Authority’s enduring commitment to digital equity:
"This project reflects our 25-year journey toward digital inclusion. By connecting underserved regions, we’re bringing affordable and efficient justice within everyone’s reach.”
CA Director General Mr. David Mugonyi, EBS, underlined the broader significance of the Universal Service Fund (USF), noting that since 2018, it has connected nearly 800,000 people in 24 counties and converted 56 libraries into e-resource hubs. He said the LAN initiative directly supports the STAJ agenda.
Hon. James Ongwae, EGH, EBS, Chair of the USF Advisory Council, outlined the Fund’s 2023–2027 Strategy, which aims to expand ICT infrastructure, foster digital literacy, and eliminate barriers such as device costs and network coverage gaps, ensuring no Kenyan is left behind in the digital revolution.
In attendance were; Chief Registrar of the Judiciary Hon. Winfridah Mokaya, Presiding Judge, Kwale High Court, Hon. Justice Lucas Naikuni, CA Board members, Members of Parliament, Judicial officers, and several senior government officials.