The Judiciary in Kenya is poised to embrace IT in streamlining financial administration at the courts when a suitable financial institution that can jointly implement an e-banking facility is identified.

"The courts have over the years relied on traditional methods which involve a lot of paperwork that may expose the Judiciary to corruption by unscrupulous officers in lower courts," said High Court registrar Lydia Achode on Wednesday.

The project, which is part of the ongoing judicial reforms, was still at its infancy.

The registrar was optimistic that once it comes into full operation, it will significantly improve efficiency in collecting and remitting money to the exchequer.

Ms Achode added: " We are in the process of identifying and negotiating with the banks that will help us in the implementation of the programme."

She, however, noted that the financial institution to be chosen must be one in which the Government has a stake.

Mr Nick Mbeba, the High Court protocol officer, said the Judiciary relied on district auditors who checked financial operations of the lower courts and submit monthly reports to the High Court.

A major account will be opened with the institution chosen, Ms Achode said, where all payments to the Judiciary will be deposited for onward transmission to the Exchequer.

"The account will be monitored from a central point and one can easily track all transactions and it will be extremely hard to make withdrawals from the fund by any unauthorised person," she told the Nation.

Commenting on bail money, which is paid in cheques, Mr Mbeba said there were isolated cases of refunds. Since the money would have been put into use, the Judiciary was exposed to problems with clients, he added.

Ms Achode said that with all the money payable to the Judiciary being channelled through a central account, it would be easier to track the financial flow and check malpractices.

She said the High Court had already set up a committee that will help identify the bank and also assist in the implementation of the project.

"If banks are able to collect billions of shillings for the Kenya Revenue Authority, I think the same can be done for Judiciary," she said.