Nyeri residents are being encouraged to adopt the Alternative Justice System (AJS) as a faster and less expensive way to resolve disputes outside of formal court proceedings. This move aims to reduce the backlog of cases in the courts. Nyeri Presiding Judge Maureen Odero emphasized that justice should not be confined to courtrooms and that the AJS provides a platform for strengthening relationships between judicial institutions and the communities they serve.
Judge Odero launched the week-long Alternative Justice System week at the Nyeri law courts, highlighting the system's benefits, including easing pressure on courts and providing a faster means of resolving disputes. She encouraged communities to take ownership of the initiative and embrace dialogue and mediation to resolve disagreements before resorting to litigation. This approach allows communities to come up with their own solutions, making them more likely to follow the rulings.
The Alternative Justice Systems (AJS) policy was first drafted in May 2016 by the Taskforce on Informal Justice Systems, mandated to develop a policy to mainstream traditional, informal justice systems into the formal justice system. The AJS aims to enhance access to justice and support the expeditious delivery of justice to citizens. It provides alternative forms of dispute resolution mechanisms, including traditional approaches, as long as they do not contravene the Bill of Rights.
County Solicitor Rosemary Wanjiru commended the judiciary for the initiative, stating that it will promote social justice through arbitration and reconciliation. She emphasized that AJS is not merely about resolving disputes outside court but also about rebuilding relationships and strengthening communities. The county solicitor promised to work with the judiciary to provide services to the people and promote access to justice.
Secretary of the Law Society of Kenya, Nyeri chapter, Nanjala Simiyu, called for sensitization of the public about the AJS system. She noted that a lack of knowledge about the cases that can be adjudicated through AJS affects its uptake. Simiyu emphasized that the public needs to be informed about which disputes to solve using AJS and which not to solve using it.
Nyeri County Director of Children Services, Joseph Mburu, echoed the need for public education to ensure residents understand the appropriate circumstances for using the AJS system. He emphasized that children should not be expected to consent to harmful arrangements or practices that violate their rights. Mburu warned against using the system to handle serious offenses involving children.
The judiciary is committed to working with elders, community representatives, county leaders, religious institutions, and other stakeholders to make the AJS credible and accessible to all. The launch of the Alternative Justice System week in Nyeri aims to promote access to justice and provide a harmonious community. Key stakeholders are working together to ensure the success of the initiative.
Key points
- The Alternative Justice System provides a faster, less expensive, and accessible way of resolving disputes outside formal court proceedings.
- The AJS system aims to enhance access to justice and support the expeditious delivery of justice to citizens.
- Public education is essential to ensure residents understand the appropriate circumstances for using the AJS system.
