By Tajeu Shadrack Nkapapa
The Chief Justice of Kenya Hon. Martha Koome has launched the first autonomous Alternative Justice System (AJS) Centre in Africa, an initiative of the Inter-faith Christian Forum in Nakuru, in collaboration with the County Government.
The establishment of the (AJS) Centre, the first of its kind in the entire region is an innovation that will be immensely useful and represents innovative solutions that holds significant promises to the local communities and Kenyans at large.
It reflects the effectiveness of the Social Transformation through Access to Justice (STAJ) framework.
“It is a recognition that mediation and reconciliation processes, including those conducted within our alternative justice mechanisms, are central for the resolution disputes given that they are collaborative processes that foster long-term relationships,” Hon. Koome said on X.
“The ‘House of Reconciliation’ AJS Centre will contribute to the creation of a just social order, prioritize reconciliation and foster peaceful co-existence in our communities essential to empower all to realize their capabilities and potential,” she added.
This novel innovation becomes a beacon of good practice and a symbol of the multi-door access to justice.
The CJ was joined at the launch by the Deputy Chief Justice of Uganda Hon. Justice Richard Buteera and the Deputy Governor of Nakuru County, H.E David Kones.
“The County Government of Nakuru has been working jointly with the Judiciary in deepening access to justice and has allocated land in Olenguruone and Solai for court construction,” Koome stated.
The Autonomous Alternative Justice System Centre is utilized for providing alternative dispute resolution services, such as mediation and reconciliation, outside of the formal court system.
It aims to offer a more accessible and community-oriented approach to resolving conflicts and legal issues.