Chief Justice Martha Koome has called for increased budgetary allocation to the Judiciary to strengthen the rollout and sustainability of Alternative Justice Systems (AJS) across the country, saying adequate funding is key to expanding access to justice at the community level.
Speaking during the opening of the 4th National Alternative Justice Systems Conference held at the University of Embu in Embu County, Koome said the Judiciary requires sufficient resources to fully implement its constitutional mandate and scale up community-based dispute resolution mechanisms.
She noted that AJS initiatives have played a significant role in reducing case backlogs in courts by providing citizens with faster and more accessible ways of resolving disputes outside the formal court system.
According to the Chief Justice, despite the growing importance of the programme, the government has allocated limited resources towards supporting its implementation, a situation she said could slow down its expansion.
Koome explained that the traditional justice system has often relied on performance indicators such as the number of cases filed and resolved, as well as reductions in backlog. However, she pointed out that certain disputes, particularly those involving families and land, take years to conclude in court and could be better handled through alternative mechanisms.
She emphasized that Alternative Justice Systems, which involve elders, mediators and community leaders, have proven effective in restoring relationships and promoting reconciliation among disputing parties.
“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,” Koome said.
The conference brought together more than 600 delegates from across Africa, including judicial officers, legal practitioners, academics, community leaders and development partners, who gathered to discuss the future of justice delivery systems on the continent.
Koome further urged county governments to support the implementation of AJS programmes within their jurisdictions, noting that decentralised justice systems can significantly improve efficiency and access to legal services, especially in rural areas.
She described AJS as a transformative approach that promotes restorative justice, social cohesion and timely resolution of disputes, particularly at the community level.
Earlier in the day, the Chief Justice officially 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 strengthen access to alternative dispute resolution services and enhance efforts by the Judiciary to deliver more people-centred justice across the country.
The Judiciary continues to promote AJS as part of broader reforms aimed at making justice more accessible, efficient and responsive to the needs of ordinary citizens.
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