By Rop Janet, KNA
Residents of Kajiado County have been urged to embrace the Alternative Justice System (AJS) as a means of resolving land disputes and easing the burden on the courts.
Speaking during a stakeholders’ forum that brought together the Judiciary, National Government Administration Officers, and members of the AJS, Environment and Land Court Judge, David Mwangi, said the system has significantly reduced the backlog of land cases before the courts.
“The AJS has played a critical role in fast-tracking the settlement of land disputes compared to lengthy court processes. It has also reduced rampant cases of land fraud which have been a thorn in this county for years,” said Justice Mwangi.
Samuel Lonkoi, Chairman of the AJS committee in Kajiado, emphasised that since the system was introduced in the county, it has become an effective tool in promoting harmony and reconciliation among disputing parties.
“When we introduced AJS in Kajiado, many people were skeptical. Today, it has resolved hundreds of land cases that would otherwise have taken years in court. Communities are now able to sit together, talk, and find fair solutions without tearing families apart,” said Lonkoi.
Rashid Muzee, a member of the Environment and Land Court as well as the AJS secretariat, highlighted the inequalities women and children face in inheritance matters.
“When it comes to land succession, women and children remain the most disadvantaged. Widows are often disinherited, leaving families vulnerable and without a source of livelihood. This is where AJS must step in to bridge the gaps and ensure justice for all,” said Muzee.
Court Annexed Mediation Chairman, Steve Biko, affirmed that mediation under AJS has become a reliable tool in handling sensitive land and family disputes.
“Mediation provides a neutral space where parties can resolve conflicts without hostility. It preserves relationships while ensuring justice, unlike adversarial litigation which often leaves families more divided,” said Biko.
He urged residents to embrace AJS as their first recourse in dispute resolution.
“We encourage Kajiado residents to turn to mediation and the Alternative Justice System as their first option. It is faster, cheaper and keeps families together, unlike the long and costly court battles,” he added.
The forum further discussed ways of addressing inheritance-related conflicts, with participants underscoring the need for inclusivity and gender sensitivity within the AJS framework.
Stakeholders present reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening the AJS in Kajiado, noting that it not only enhances access to justice but also promotes peace, cohesion, and social justice in the community.