In a statement released on Wednesday, the Law Society of Kenya stated that prior to utilizing any of the judiciary services offered by Huduma Center, consultation should take place.

This came about following the announcement of Huduma Center that eight services will be available at their centers across different locations.

A few of the services include starting a new civil case, submitting documents in an ongoing case, and asking for and issuing summonses.

The centers will also provide general case inquiries, payment of penalties and deposits, payment of specified dates, help for electronic filing, and virtual court support.

“From January 29, 2024, you can access the following services in six Huduma Centres. They include GPO Nairobi, City Square, Makadara, Kibra, Eastleigh and Thika,” the notice reads.

According to LSK President Theuri, the initiative will need to be put on hold so that interested parties may be consulted.

“Such initiatives should not be introduced without adequate prior consultation. Chances that the initiative can be abused by masqueraders and increase avenues for unethical practices abound,” he said.

Although LSK Vice President Faith Odhiambo acknowledged that such efforts are beneficial in providing easy access and cascading services to the public, she pointed out that there is a lack of stakeholder engagement and consultation on the same.

She referred to the absence of consultation as deficient and intolerable.

“The Kenya Judiciary must ice this process forthwith until all stakeholders, including advocates, have been adequately involved,” Odhiambo said.