Women in Uasin Gishu Find Hope Through New Land Justice Initiative
According to Ruto, this approach has proven effective in reducing the backlog of land cases in courts while also ensuring disputes are settled amicably.
The CEO of North Rift Theater Ambassadors Ken Ruto addressing the press in Eldoret.
By Jessica Nyaboke
Uasin Gishu County women are breathing a sigh of relief after a non-governmental organization (NGO) launched an initiative to help them fight for their right to acquire land.
The program, known as “Justice Under the Shade,” is spearheaded by the North Rift Theater Ambassadors and aims to resolve land disputes through alternative justice systems.
Speaking to the media in Eldoret, Ken Ruto, the CEO of North Rift Theater Ambassadors, revealed that 150 Kipkaa Elders have been trained to work alongside local chiefs in handling succession matters.
Ruto highlighted that many women have faced disinheritance at the hands of their brothers-in-law following the death of their spouses, leaving them in financial and social distress.
The initiative takes inspiration from traditional dispute resolution methods, where land issues are discussed under the shade of a tree, with elders mediating the conflicts without bias.
According to Ruto, this approach has proven effective in reducing the backlog of land cases in courts while also ensuring disputes are settled amicably.
“Sometimes, even when the courts rule on land matters, people have lost their lives in retaliatory attacks from their own relatives. A court ruling does not always guarantee safety,” Ruto lamented.
The program is currently being implemented in areas such as Moiben, Ziwa, and Kapseret, where training sessions are ongoing. Ruto noted that numerous success stories have already been recorded, with many disputes being resolved through dialogue rather than force.
A spot check by local media revealed that families across Uasin Gishu County are increasingly involving women in land matters. Many women have proven to be responsible landowners and, in several cases, have taken on the role of breadwinners for their families.
This initiative marks a significant step forward in advocating for women’s land rights and providing them with a platform to seek justice without enduring lengthy and costly court processes.
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