At least 280 land disputes in Kajiado County have been resolved through the Alternative Justice System (AJS), providing residents with a faster and community-based mechanism for addressing longstanding land conflicts.
The AJS, which promotes alternative dispute resolution methods and helps reduce case backlogs in courts, gives councils of elders and religious leaders a greater role in the administration of justice, provided their decisions are in line with the Constitution.
Speaking in Isinya, Kajiado Governor Joseph ole Lenku said the resolution of the land cases had enabled many residents to transition from letters of allotment to certificates of lease, thereby strengthening land ownership rights.
“The resolved cases have enhanced certainty, protected property rights, and restored public confidence in land administration,” said Lenku.
The governor commended the Alternative Justice System for its continued contribution in resolving land disputes and fostering harmony among communities across the county.
He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to addressing historical land challenges that have hampered development for years, including the persistent problem of double allocation of land.
Lenku noted that through the Department of Lands, Physical Planning, Urban Development, Housing, and Municipalities, the county government has made significant progress in securing land ownership and promoting orderly development.
“We have issued lease titles to plot owners in Kajiado, Isinya, Noonkopir, and Bulbul townships, while similar exercises are ongoing in Kiserian, Ongata Rongai, Olooloitikoshi, and Kimuka,” he said.
The governor further revealed that the county government has developed and validated physical and land-use plans for trading centers across the county, including remote areas, to guide development, improve service delivery, and unlock investment opportunities.
He said the initiatives are aimed at ensuring sustainable land management, enhancing tenure security, and supporting economic growth across Kajiado County.
The judiciary launched the AJS system in 2020 with an aim to make justice easily accessible to Kenyans as well as reduce the number of people being incarcerated for petty crimes.
By Diana Meneto
