Kenol: Members of the Kenol Law Court user’s committee have received training on the Alternative Justice System (AJS), a method aimed at integrating traditional dispute resolution mechanisms with formal legal processes. The initiative, fully operational since 2020, seeks to enhance access to justice by respecting local customs while protecting human rights.
According to Kenya News Agency, the training session was led by Senior Principal Magistrate Joan Irura, who emphasized the importance of AJS as a complement to the formal justice system. Magistrate Irura called on committee members-including representatives from the police, probation and children’s departments, Law Society of Kenya (LSK), religious leaders, National Government Administration Officers (NGAO), and the business community-to advocate for AJS. She highlighted the system’s role in reducing litigation and promoting harmonious community relationships through restorative justice.
Magistrate Irura noted that AJS offers a participatory and affordab
le approach with minimal formalities, which contributes to reducing case backlogs and court congestion. She illustrated how disputes in communities often follow a “river of justice” model, where only a small percentage reach the courts. Statistics indicate that just 21 percent of disputes are resolved in formal judicial settings, with the majority being addressed through alternative methods like AJS.
The Justice Needs and Satisfaction Survey shows that 79 percent of disputes in Kenya are settled outside the court system. Magistrate Irura urged committee members to promote AJS to increase access to justice, as mandated by Article 47 of the Constitution of Kenya.
The training session also included participation from corporate partners such as Delmonte Kenya Limited and Kakuzi PLC. These organizations were encouraged to utilize the AJS model to address community issues, such as land use and employment disputes, fostering improved relations without resorting to lengthy legal battles.
