The growing use of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) mechanisms has been credited for the speedy resolution of cases and the transformation of service delivery at Thika Law Courts over the past four years.
Court users, advocates and justice sector stakeholders speaking on Saturday during a ceremony to mark the court’s four-year performance said mediation and teamwork have significantly reduced case backlog, improved efficiency and restored public trust in the judicial system.
Law Society of Kenya (LSK) Thika Chapter Chairperson Daniel Gachau said the deliberate embrace of mediation as an alternative path to justice had changed how disputes are handled, making the court more accessible and responsive to the needs of litigants.
“By choosing mediation, many disputes that would have taken years in litigation are now resolved faster and amicably. This has enhanced confidence in the justice system and eased congestion in our courts,” Gachau said.
The event also served as a farewell for Thika Chief Magistrate Stella Atambo, who has been transferred to Kibera Law Courts after serving in Thika for four years. Speakers unanimously credited Atambo’s leadership for institutionalising ADR and steering the court through a period of major reform.
Thika Business Community Chairman Alfred Wanyoike said Atambo leaves behind a legacy of integrity and efficiency, noting that her tenure marked the end of an era characterised by corruption, cartels and court brokers.
“She cleaned up the system, dismantled cartels and ensured justice was delivered transparently. Her firm leadership restored order and dignity to this court,” Wanyoike said.
He added that Atambo oversaw the rollout of the Small Claims Court, the digitisation of court registries and the strengthening of systems that improved transparency and accountability, enabling disputes, especially commercial matters, to be resolved quickly.
Thika Main Prison Officer-in-Charge Hassan Waqo said ADR and speedy case disposal under Atambo’s leadership contributed to decongesting Thika Prison through timely hearings and increased use of non-custodial sentences where appropriate.
As she bade farewell, Atambo said mediation was central to the gains made at Thika Law Courts, describing ADR as a humane and practical approach to justice, particularly in sensitive disputes.
She cited a high-profile family dispute involving two widows over the burial of their deceased husband, which was resolved through mediation rather than prolonged litigation, restoring peace between the families.
The stakeholders said Atambo’s legacy at Thika Law Courts must be sustained long after her departure.
By Muoki Charles
