CJ Koome pushes alternative justice to ease court backlog

Chief Justice Martha Koome has intensified the Judiciary's drive to expand Alternative Justice Systems (AJS) across the country, saying community-based dispute resolution is key to improving access to justice, reducing court backlogs and resolving family and land disputes faster.

In recent weeks, the Chief Justice has launched county-specific AJS frameworks in Kericho, Bomet and Kisii, describing the initiatives as part of the Judiciary's implementation of Article 159 of the Constitution, which recognizes alternative forms of dispute resolution.

However, Law Society of Kenya expressed dissatisfaction with the approach, saying it diverts the right of Kenyans to get sustainable solutions to justice that incorporate quality legal support and dependable justice.

LSK president Charles Kanjama said the lawyers’ body has shared with the Judiciary over the matter. He said they hope the Judiciary will slow down and incorporate stakeholder feedback if ‘they truly seek transformation in the justice sector’.

“The Judiciary should improve the efficiency of its processes, systems and officers and should enhance its performance management and measurement systems to accomplish this,” he said.