Chief Justice Martha Koome has called for the adoption of Alternative Justice Systems (AJS) and Mediation to expedite case resolutions and ease the burden on Kenya’s judicial system. Speaking at the launch of Kamwangi Law Courts in Kiambu County, she emphasized the importance of community-centered and culturally relevant approaches to dispute resolution.
The Kamwangi Law Courts are part of the Judiciary’s broader vision to enhance access to justice across the nation. CJ Koome highlighted that the integration of AJS and mediation provides timely, accessible, and culturally sensitive pathways to resolving disputes, aligning with the needs and traditions of communities.
The Role of AJS and Mediation
CJ Koome underscored the value of AJS and mediation, especially in areas where disputes often involve familial or communal relationships, such as Gatundu North. Mediation, she noted, offers a less adversarial and collaborative avenue for parties to arrive at mutually agreeable resolutions.
“Mediation fosters dialogue and mutual respect, allowing parties to preserve relationships and community cohesion,” Koome said. “In close-knit communities, this approach is especially valuable for resolving land and business disputes constructively.”
She explained that AJS complements formal judicial processes by incorporating culturally grounded practices that align with traditional values. This approach not only accelerates the resolution of disputes but also strengthens community bonds and fosters a harmonious society.
Expanding Access to Justice
The launch of Kamwangi Law Courts marks a significant milestone in the Judiciary’s effort to reduce the geographical and financial barriers to justice. Located in Gatundu North, the facility eliminates the need for residents to travel long distances to neighboring constituencies for judicial services.
The new court facility, which has jurisdiction over both civil and criminal matters, aligns with the Judiciary’s Social Transformation Through Access to Justice (STAJ) blueprint. This initiative aims to ensure that vulnerable and marginalized communities have access to efficient and people-centered judicial services.
“Our journey to expand access to justice across Kenya requires partnerships, particularly in light of the budgetary constraints we face,” Koome noted. She further reiterated that the Judiciary is committed to establishing a magistrate’s court in each of Kenya’s 290 constituencies. Kamwangi Law Courts is the 141st such facility, leaving 149 constituencies still in need.
A Collaborative Effort
CJ Koome praised the collaborative efforts that led to the launch of Kamwangi Law Courts, highlighting the importance of partnerships in achieving judicial milestones. Despite budgetary limitations, such initiatives demonstrate how collaboration can transform access to justice for communities.
“Millions of Kenyans aspire to access judicial services that can transform their lives. The launch of Kamwangi Magistrates’ Court brings us one step closer to realizing that vision,” she stated.
Vision for a People-Centered Justice System
Under CJ Koome’s leadership, the Judiciary has championed reforms aimed at broadening access to justice and making the system more inclusive. The STAJ blueprint envisions a judicial system where courts are accessible within a 100-kilometer radius for all Kenyans.
Additionally, by integrating AJS and mediation into the justice system, the Judiciary is not only reducing case backlogs but also addressing disputes in ways that resonate with the unique cultural contexts of different communities.
“AJS is an essential part of our efforts to expand pathways to justice for all Kenyans,” Koome emphasized. She encouraged the residents of Gatundu North to adopt these approaches to ensure social harmony and peaceful conflict resolution.
A Step Forward
The launch of Kamwangi Law Courts is a testament to the Judiciary’s commitment to transforming the justice landscape in Kenya. By focusing on accessible and culturally relevant solutions, CJ Koome and the Judiciary are paving the way for a more harmonious and equitable society.
This initiative not only underscores the importance of justice but also highlights the power of community-based approaches in building a resilient judicial system that responds effectively to the needs of the people.
