Technological Diversification Strategies and Judicial Performance of High Courts in Kenya
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.70619/vol6iss5pp40-54-946Keywords:
Technological Diversification, Judicial Performance, Virtual Courts, Electronic Case Management Systems, Electronic Case Tracking Systems, Electronic Filing, High Courts of KenyaAbstract
Judicial systems are increasingly adopting digital technologies to improve efficiency, reduce case delays and backlogs, and enhance access to justice. In Kenya, the Judiciary has introduced virtual courts, Electronic Case Management Systems (ECMS), Electronic Case Tracking Systems (ECTS), and Electronic Case Filing (ECF) as part of its digital transformation agenda. Despite these interventions, performance challenges persist, raising questions about whether technological diversification translates into improved judicial outcomes. This study determined the effect of technological diversification strategies on the judicial performance of High Courts in Kenya. The study was anchored primarily on Dynamic Capabilities Theory, supported by the Technology Acceptance Model. The study adopted a positivist research philosophy and a quantitative research design. The study collected data through structured questionnaires from 254 respondents, including High Court Judges, Deputy Registrars, Court Assistants, and ICT Officers from High Court stations in Kenya. The study used descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, and multiple regression analysis to analyze the data. Technological diversification strategies were generally rated favourably (M = 3.788, SD = 0.178), with ECTS receiving the highest rating (M = 3.809), followed by ECF (M = 3.798), virtual courts (M = 3.781), and ECMS (M = 3.763). However, the regression model was not statistically significant, F(4,249) = 0.115, p = .977, R² = .002, indicating that the four technological strategies jointly explained only 0.2% of the variation in judicial performance. None of the individual technological strategies had a statistically significant effect. The study concludes that technological deployment alone cannot improve judicial performance. The Judiciary should therefore complement digital investments with system integration, adequate ICT infrastructure, staff capacity development, and performance-oriented implementation mechanisms.
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