Kisii Residents Urged to Embrace Alternative Justice System to Foster Peace and Decongest Courts
Kisii Governor Paul Simba Arati welcomed the initiative, terming it a landmark event for the county that will go a long way in strengthening peace, unity and cohesion.
Photo: Courtesy.
By Monica Nashon
Leaders in Kisii County have called on residents to embrace the Alternative Justice Systems (AJS) as a faster, more affordable and peaceful mechanism for resolving disputes, as the Judiciary intensifies its efforts to bring justice closer to the people.
The call was made on Thursday during the official launch of the Kisii Alternative Justice Systems (AJS) Centre at the Kisii Law Courts, an initiative that is expected to complement the formal court system and promote reconciliation at the grassroots level.
Chief Justice Martha Koome, who presided over the launch, said the Judiciary is committed to ensuring that justice reaches every Kenyan through innovation, collaboration and people-centred approaches. She noted that the Judiciary has embraced technology and alternative mechanisms to make justice more accessible, efficient and responsive.
“We have embraced technology because we want justice to be more accessible. We have seen the commitment of the people of Kisii and we will continue working together with all our partners to strengthen justice services,” said Chief Justice Koome.
She explained that Alternative Justice Systems focus on reconciliation, dialogue and restoration of relationships instead of creating more conflict and enmity among disputing parties, which is a key pillar of the Judiciary’s vision of Social Transformation through Access to Justice.
Kisii Governor Paul Simba Arati welcomed the initiative, terming it a landmark event for the county that will go a long way in strengthening peace, unity and cohesion.
“This is a landmark event for Kisii. I thank Chief Justice Martha Koome for her dedication to improving access to justice. Our county government will continue supporting initiatives that promote peace and justice. When people resolve disputes peacefully, development thrives,” Governor Arati said.
Judicial Service Commissioner Everlyne Olwande said Alternative Justice Systems provide Kenyans with another constitutional pathway to resolve disputes as provided for under Article 159 of the Constitution. She noted that the Judicial Service Commission has remained a strong supporter of institutionalizing AJS.
“The Judicial Service Commission has remained a strong supporter of institutionalising Alternative Justice Systems because justice should not only be delivered but also be felt by the people. AJS ensures that community values and traditions are respected,” Olwande said.
Chief Registrar of the Judiciary Winfridah Mokaya thanked all partners who contributed to the success of the programme, including the County Government of Kisii and the Law Society of Kenya.
“I thank the Government of Kisii and the Law Society for partnering with the Judiciary. Working together will help us promote harmony and ensure disputes are resolved fairly and swiftly,” Mokaya said.
Prof. Joel Ngugi, who chairs the AJS National Steering Committee, said the centre recognizes the value of community wisdom and African traditions in resolving disputes.
“Today we honour our traditions while opening a new chapter in justice. Justice begins where people choose dialogue instead of conflict. This centre is a symbol of justice that is home-grown,” Prof. Ngugi stated.
The Judiciary has been rolling out Alternative Justice Systems Centres across the country to help reduce case backlogs in courts while bringing justice closer to ordinary citizens, particularly in land, family and minor criminal disputes.
About Author
