NAIROBI, Kenya, Nov 9- A performance report by the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions has revealed an increase in the conviction rate for corruption cases.
The report details the ODPP’s milestone between 2017 and June 30, 2020.
According to the report released on Monday, conviction rate for corruption cases has increased from 37.4 percent in 2018 to 63.16 percent in the first half of 2020.
During the reporting period, the conviction rates increased from 90.2 percent in 2017/2018 to 92.5 percent in 2019/2020, for general cases.
How did the ODPP achieve this?
The Office, the report revealed, prioritized the fight against corruption by adopting strategies such as strategic focus on high profile and high impact cases, establishment of specialized thematic divisions, units and teams and recovery of proceeds of crime.
Others include following the money approach, use of experts in various fields such as financial analysts and development of an anti-corruption strategy.
Between January 2018 and June 2020, a total of 220 cases were registered in court and prosecution ensued.
A total of 26 cases were registered as at June 30, 2020, 78 cases in 2019 and 116 cases in 2018.
A total of 238 cases were concluded; 20 cases as at June 30, 2020, 103 cases in 2019, and 115 cases in 2018.
“The finalization of these corruption cases is attributable to the strategies employed by Office in the fight against corruption,” Director of Public Prosecutions Noordin Haji said.
The DPP has since affirmed his commitment to the implementation of policies aimed at fast-tracking access to justice.
“We are continually reviewing our systems and policies to fast-track access to justice for the benefit of members of the public. So far, there has been a notable improvement from these concerted efforts and collaborative measures among stakeholders across the system.”
He added that, “Our commitment is evidenced by the remarkable overall conviction rate at 92.58 percent and improved conviction rate of Corruption cases at 63.16 percent as at June 30. We shall not relent on reviewing and enhancing collaborative approaches among the criminal justice to deliver justice to all citizens.”
During the period under review, ODPP developed the Uadilifu Case Management System which was rolled out in Nairobi.
The system was developed with the aim of enhancing efficiency and streamlining the ODPP processes so as to enhance accountability, and increase the Office’s access to accurate data on crime.
The system has been integrated with the Judiciary’s e-filing and “we are in the process of not only rolling it out to other regions countrywide but also integrating it with IPOA, EACC and eventually the whole criminal justice system to enhance services to the Mwananchi.”
The report notes that while the COVID-19 pandemic presented numerous barriers to advancing cases, the ODPP continued to deliver its mandate.
“The staff were also empowered to work virtually, through the acquisition of video conferencing solutions. This has been useful in facilitating meetings and training sessions whilst ensuring social distancing and stay-at-home directives are adhered to,” the DPP said.
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