KITUI – Julius Malombe, the Governor of Kitui County, has made a strong appeal for the adoption of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) methods over traditional court proceedings for resolving conflicts. This recommendation was made during the inauguration of the Court Annexed Mediation ceremony at the Kitui Law Courts.
According to Kenya News Agency, ADR not only offers justice akin to that of the courts but also benefits disputing parties with its affordability, accessibility, and quicker resolution times. He emphasized that the integration of ADR represents a crucial step forward in fulfilling the constitutional mandate of dispute resolution.
During the ceremony, the Governor highlighted the synergy between national and county governments in delivering services, pointing out their mutual dependence in fulfilling their roles. Malombe praised the court-annexed mediation initiative for its potential to deliver just outcomes that are both individually and socially beneficial, enhance disputants’ involvement in resolving their issues, foster a culture of amicable dispute settlement, and build trust in the judiciary.
Malombe reiterated the value of adopting such alternative methods, noting that they would improve access to justice through the establishment of a mediation registry in Kitui. He expressed confidence that this approach would expedite case resolutions, aligning with the Chief Justice’s vision of social transformation through justice access.
The County’s support for the judiciary was also underscored, with Malombe outlining several initiatives including the allocation of two acres of land at Manyenyoni for new court buildings, efforts to ensure water supply to Kitui and Mwingi Law Courts, and plans for constructing a County Court to prioritize enforcement of county legislation.
Kitui High Court Judge, Robert Limo, endorsed Malombe’s views, stating that Court Annexed Mediation would facilitate mutually beneficial dispute resolutions and significantly reduce the backlog of cases by resolving disputes within sixty days. He also acknowledged the county government’s support as essential for enhancing judicial services in Kitui County, demonstrating a collaborative effort towards improving justice delivery.