Behind the Scenes of Digital Inclusion: ELRC Trains Drivers and Security Officers Too

By Kizito Namulanda

In a landmark move for Kenya’s judiciary, the Employment and Labour Relations Court (ELRC) extended its two-day digital inclusion training beyond judges and judicial officers to the drivers and security officers who keep the courtroom ecosystem running. Held at the Kenya School of Government on December 18–19, 2025, this session marks the first time frontline staff—who typically wait in the wings while their principals are in training—were included in the same curriculum designed to advance an accessible, digital-first judiciary.

Why this matters

Traditionally, drivers and security personnel accompany judges and officers, often performing roles that sit outside formal training programs. By integrating them into the digital inclusion agenda, the ELRC signals a holistic commitment: the culture of digital inclusivity must permeate every member of the organisation. This approach acknowledges that inclusive technology and etiquette improve everyday operations, from how schedules are managed to how facilities are secured and accessed.

Tailored curriculum, shared goals

Recognising the unique needs of frontline staff, the programme for drivers and security officers was carefully adapted from the main curriculum. Key adjustments ensured that content was relevant, practical, and accessible, without sacrificing the integrity of the digital inclusion objectives. The UK Digital Access Programme (DAP) and Kenya Judiciary Academy (KJA) collaborated to tailor the sessions so participants could immediately translate learnings into their daily duties.

What training covered for frontline staff

• Digital accessibility basics: Understanding how inclusive design benefits everyone, including drivers and security officers, who interact with diverse users and systems throughout the day.
• Disability etiquette in practice: Guidance on respectful communication, accessibility-friendly interactions, and recognising the dignity and competence of colleagues with disabilities.>
• Assistive technology awareness: Familiarisation with tools that support independent participation, and how to request support or adjustments within the ELRC environment.
• Inclusive engagement in daily operations: How to ensure meetings, digital signage, and access control systems are usable by all staff and stakeholders.
• Safety, security, and accessibility: Balancing protocol with accessibility considerations in emergency procedures, evacuations, and incident management.

Disability etiquette: a practical focus for all

A core component of the training for frontline staff was disability etiquette. Participants explored:

• The spectrum of disabilities (visible and invisible) and how they impact participation and communication.
• Respectful language and the appropriate ways to address colleagues and service users.
• Direct communication with individuals with disabilities, avoiding barriers created by intermediaries or assumptions.
• Strategies to ensure meetings and events are accessible—pre-call materials, sign language interpretation, captioning, and accessible venue choices.
• The role of frontline staff in modeling an inclusive culture every day, not just in policy.

Leadership support and organisational impact

Charles Juma, the UK DAP Country Lead and Advisor for Kenya, emphasized the inclusive vision: “Our goal is to embed the culture of digital inclusivity throughout the entire organisation—from the top leadership down to frontline teams.” The sessions with drivers and security officers reflect these ethos in action, demonstrating that digital transformation must be lived at every touchpoint of the ELRC’s operations.

Hon. Justice Byram Ongaya, Principal Judge at the ELRC, called the decision an eye-opener: “This is truly an eye-opener, and we commit to carrying everybody along as we kick off our journey toward an inclusive court.”

Looking ahead

This frontline training is not a one-off gesture but an essential step in building a truly inclusive digital judiciary. By equipping those who physically enable the daily functions of the ELRC with digital literacy and disability-aware practices, the court strengthens both service delivery and workplace culture.