Chief Justice Martha Koome has reiterated the need for greater investment in judicial infrastructure to bolster the efficiency and accessibility of justice delivery in Kenya. Speaking during the launch of the Alternative Justice Systems (AJS) Suite and Court-Annexed Mediation (CAM) Registry in Marsabit, Koome reaffirmed the Judiciary’s commitment to ensuring that justice is accessible to all citizens.
Advancing Access to Justice
The Chief Justice highlighted the Judiciary’s Multi-Door Approach, which incorporates Alternative Justice Systems and CAM, as a strategy to tackle persistent challenges such as case backlogs and prolonged delays. Since its introduction in 2016, CAM has been instrumental in resolving 21,451 cases, unlocking Ksh 61.1 billion into the economy.
“Access to justice is not limited to court-based dispute resolution. The Judiciary has embraced the Multi-Door Approach, which seeks to eliminate barriers to justice such as delays and case backlogs. This approach has been instrumental in addressing various challenges within the justice system,” stated Koome.
Embracing Alternative Justice Systems
During the event, the Marsabit County AJS Model, County Action Plan, and Ukumbi Suite were unveiled, signaling the Judiciary’s commitment to institutionalizing traditional dispute resolution mechanisms. Koome underscored the vital role of elders in addressing community conflicts, including land disputes, petty offenses, boundary disagreements, and intercommunity tensions.
She urged the people of Marsabit to utilize AJS mechanisms to resolve conflicts peacefully, emphasizing the role of elders and practitioners as peace champions in promoting unity and reconciliation. “By addressing the root causes of conflict, AJS not only resolves disputes but also promotes peace and cohesion in the county. It means that apart from resolving disputes, we also expect the AJS elders and practitioners to be peace champions,” she said.
Judicial Infrastructure Challenges
Highlighting the importance of physical infrastructure in delivering justice, the Chief Justice called upon local leaders and stakeholders to collaborate with the Judiciary in establishing permanent court facilities. The lack of adequate court infrastructure has forced litigants and law enforcement officers to travel long distances, compounding the challenges of accessing justice.
Koome acknowledged the Marsabit County Government’s contribution of land in five locations for new court facilities, describing it as a positive step toward addressing the county’s infrastructural gaps. However, she lamented that budgetary constraints continue to hinder progress in constructing these facilities.
Collaborative Efforts for Sustainable Justice
The Chief Justice emphasized the need for partnerships between national and county governments to ensure sustainable investment in judicial infrastructure. She called on policymakers and legislators to prioritize funding for these projects, highlighting that robust infrastructure is foundational for an efficient and inclusive justice system.
The Judiciary’s focus on infrastructure extends beyond physical buildings. Koome’s vision includes the expansion of CAM and AJS initiatives to other counties, with the aim of reducing reliance on formal court proceedings and fostering localized solutions to disputes.
A Vision for Justice in Kenya
Koome’s appeal for increased judicial infrastructure investment aligns with her broader agenda of enhancing the Judiciary’s capacity to serve Kenyans effectively. By integrating alternative dispute resolution mechanisms and improving physical infrastructure, the Judiciary aims to reduce barriers to justice, alleviate case backlogs, and promote harmony across communities.
Her visit to Marsabit not only celebrated the successes of AJS and CAM but also served as a clarion call for collective action to address systemic challenges in the justice sector. As Kenya progresses toward a more inclusive and accessible justice system, investment in infrastructure and alternative mechanisms will be key pillars in achieving this goal
