Chief Justice Martha Koome has called for increased budgetary allocation to the Judiciary to support the growth and sustainability of Alternative Justice Systems (AJS) across the country.
Speaking during the opening of the 4th National Alternative Justice Systems Conference at the University of Embu in Embu County, Koome said adequate funding is critical in ensuring justice programmes are implemented effectively without interruptions.
She noted that the Judiciary requires sufficient resources to meet its constitutional mandate and expand access to justice through community-based dispute resolution mechanisms. She added that Alternative Justice Systems have played a key role in reducing the backlog of cases in courts by offering citizens alternative avenues for resolving disputes.
Koome expressed concern that the government has allocated only a small amount of money towards supporting AJS programmes despite their growing importance in the justice sector.
She said the traditional justice system has largely relied on indicators such as the number of cases filed and resolved, as well as the reduction of court case backlogs. However, she noted that disputes involving families and land often take years to conclude in court, yet many could be resolved more quickly through Alternative Justice Systems involving elders and mediators.
According to the Chief Justice, elders have been instrumental in restoring relationships among family members and communities by fostering dialogue and reconciliation.
“Elders are helping bring families together. Even people who have not spoken for a long time are able to reconcile and reach a point where they can engage again,” she said.
The conference brought together more than 600 delegates from across Africa, including judicial officers, legal practitioners, academics, community leaders and development partners, to discuss the future of justice systems.
Koome urged county governments to support the implementation of AJS initiatives within their jurisdictions, describing the programme as a transformative approach to justice delivery.
Earlier, the Chief Justice launched the Embu Alternative Justice Systems Suite and AJS Registries for Embu, Siakago and Runyenjes Law Courts at the Embu Law Courts. She said the new facilities will enhance access to alternative dispute resolution services and strengthen efforts to deliver people-centred justice.
by Makara Kamotho
