Nakuru Advocates Alternative Justice to Ease Court Backlogs

NAKURU, Kenya – Nakuru’s Deputy Governor, David Kones, has highlighted the significant role of the Alternative Justice System (AJS) in alleviating the backlog of court cases within Kenya, promoting a more efficient and reconciliatory approach to dispute resolution.

According to Kenya News Agency, the AJS approach, which encompasses methods like mediation and arbitration, offers a quicker and more harmonious resolution to conflicts, particularly benefiting sectors plagued by prolonged legal disputes. This system aims to relieve the judicial system’s strain and foster faster economic circulation of assets tied up in litigation.

Kones articulated these views during a meeting with the National Steering Committee on Implementation of Alternative Justice Systems Policy (NaSCI-AJS), chaired by Court of Appeal Judge Professor Justice Joel Ngugi. The discussions also touched upon the organization of the 3rd Annual National Conference on Alternative Justice Systems, an event that seeks to consolidate and expand AJS practices across Kenya.

The forthcoming conference, set to occur in Nyayo Garden from June 11 to June 14, 2024, is expected to draw various stakeholders from the justice sector, including legal practitioners, academics, and civil society representatives, to deliberate on enhancing AJS’s reach and efficacy.

The AJS framework is lauded for its ability to mend relationships and provide a platform for parties to express and resolve their differences constructively. By emphasizing collaborative problem-solving, AJS has shown success in various contexts, from family disputes to business conflicts, thereby offering tangible benefits beyond the conventional court system.

Justice Ngugi, highlighting the conference’s objectives, emphasized AJS’s role in promoting societal reconciliation and economic development. He cited several success stories where AJS facilitated swift and amicable settlements, significantly impacting individuals and communities by unlocking assets and fostering social harmony.

Moreover, notable achievements like property dispute resolutions and asset recoveries by the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission underscore AJS’s potential in addressing complex cases efficiently. Such outcomes not only expedite justice but also restore and transform relationships, demonstrating the system’s holistic benefits.

The AJS’s adoption signifies a pivotal shift towards a more inclusive and accessible justice mechanism, addressing the needs of the vast majority of Kenyans who may feel alienated by the formal legal system. As such, initiatives like the upcoming national conference play a crucial role in reinforcing and expanding this vital component of Kenya’s justice landscape.