Nairobi: Chief Justice (CJ) Martha Koome has called for deeper regional collaboration to strengthen the multi-door approach to justice across East Africa and address challenges affecting the region's justice system.
According to Kenya News Agency, during the official opening of the 22nd East Africa Magistrates and Judges Association (EAMJA) Annual Conference, held under the theme 'Justice Beyond Brick and Mortar: Unlocking Multi-Door Pathways for People-Centred Justice in East Africa', CJ Koome noted that although each East African country is taking its own path toward people-centred justice, the challenges and opportunities remain strikingly similar. She highlighted legislative challenges, resource constraints, community engagement gaps, capacity limitations, and the need for sustainable investment in technology and training as common issues affecting the region.
CJ Koome emphasized the importance of regional collaboration, stating that EAMJA provides a valuable space for reflection, peer learning, and collective problem-solving. She called for a shared regional commitment to refine and strengthen multi-door justice approaches, which include supporting jurisdictions where Alternative Justice Systems (AJS), mediation frameworks, and specialized court systems are still developing.
The Chief Justice stressed the necessity of advancing together in laying firm foundations for people-centred justice, harmonizing regional standards, promoting joint training for judicial officers, mediators, and AJS practitioners, and deepening inter-country partnerships. She noted that the legitimacy of East Africa's justice systems increasingly depends on their ability to serve people in ways that meet their lived realities.
CJ Koome observed that for many citizens, the formal court system is slow, costly, distant, or intimidating, and increasing caseloads strain institutions. She affirmed that people-centred justice has emerged not merely as an aspiration but as a necessity, requiring a shift from viewing the Judiciary as the sole avenue for dispute resolution to expanding access to justice through multiple pathways tailored to diverse community needs.
She challenged the region to rethink how justice is delivered, emphasizing it must be available in community spaces, through dialogue, and via innovative mechanisms that respect culture, dignity, and agency. She pointed out that Alternative Justice Systems (AJS), court-annexed mediation, and specialized courts are already transforming the justice experience for millions, enhancing access to justice, restoring relationships, empowering communities, and building trust in the Judiciary.
Deputy President (DP) Prof. Kithure Kindiki, present at the event, echoed the need for judicial systems to function as open doorways for fairness, dignity, and economic opportunity. He noted that many still perceive formal courts as distant and intimidating, particularly for women, youth, small entrepreneurs, and rural communities. However, he cautioned that while expanding alternative pathways, safeguards must be upheld to ensure expediency does not compromise fairness.
Prof. Kindiki assured that Kenya is ready to work with all Judiciaries across the region to harness and share experiences, aiming to build judicial systems that listen to citizens, respect their dignity, and deliver justice fairly and expeditiously.