CJ launches Kisii county alternative justice systems action plan to expand access to justice
The Mt Kenya Times 
CJ Martha Koome speaking during the launch of AJS in Kisii County
By Elizabeth Angira
Chief Justice Martha Koome has officially launched the Kisii County Alternative Justice Systems (AJS) County Action Plan, the Kisii County AJS Model, the Kisii AJS Suite, and Alternative Justice Systems Registries at Kisii, Ogembo and Etago Law Courts, marking a major milestone in expanding access to justice through community-based dispute resolution.
Speaking during the launch in Kisii, the Chief Justice said the initiative demonstrates the Judiciary’s commitment to implementing Article 159 of the Constitution, which promotes Alternative Justice Systems as complementary mechanisms for resolving disputes while upholding constitutional values, human rights and the rule of law.
“The launch of these initiatives is a significant milestone not only for the people of Kisii County but also for our national journey towards building a justice system that is more accessible, inclusive, responsive and people-centred,” Justice Koome said.
She emphasized that Alternative Justice Systems do not replace the formal courts but complement them by allowing suitable disputes to be resolved through dialogue, mediation and reconciliation.
According to the Chief Justice, the approach reduces the cost and time of resolving disputes, preserves relationships, strengthens community cohesion and allows courts to focus on cases that require judicial intervention.
Justice Koome noted that the Kisii County Action Plan was informed by a county justice needs assessment, which identified land disputes as the leading source of conflict, followed by succession, family and boundary disputes. The assessment also revealed that the high cost of litigation, lengthy court processes, procedural complexities and long distances to courts continue to limit access to justice, despite strong public confidence in community-based dispute resolution mechanisms.
She said Kisii’s unique social and historical circumstances require justice solutions tailored to the needs of local communities.
“The diversity of justice needs across our counties requires locally designed interventions. The county-by-county approach ensures that every Action Plan reflects the realities of the communities it serves while remaining firmly anchored in the Constitution and national policy,” she said.
Justice Koome explained that the Kisii County AJS Model establishes a coordinated framework bringing together community institutions, state agencies and the Judiciary to improve collaboration in resolving disputes. The newly established AJS Suite and Registries at Kisii, Ogembo and Etago Law Courts will facilitate referrals between courts and community justice mechanisms, support public legal education and strengthen coordination among justice stakeholders.
She stressed that all Alternative Justice Systems must uphold human dignity, equality, inclusivity and the rights of every individual.
She welcomed the integration of constitutional safeguards within the Kisii County Action Plan, saying it successfully balances traditional dispute resolution with Kenya’s constitutional values and human rights standards.
The Chief Justice also encouraged members of the public to actively participate in Court Users Committees, describing them as important platforms for engaging with the justice system and improving service delivery.
Justice Koome reaffirmed the Judiciary’s commitment to working closely with county governments to expand judicial infrastructure and bring justice services closer to the people.
She also commended the National Steering Committee on the Implementation of the Alternative Justice Systems Policy and thanked the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) for supporting the implementation of county-specific AJS Action Plans.
The initiative advances the Judiciary’s Social Transformation through Access to Justice (STAJ) blueprint, which promotes a multi-door approach to justice by ensuring every Kenyan has access to affordable, timely and people-centred justice.
Governor Arati Pledges County Support
Kisii Governor Simba Arati welcomed the initiative, describing it as a landmark achievement that will improve access to justice through community participation.
“This is a landmark event that underscores the county’s commitment to improving access to justice through community involvement. Our collaboration with the Judiciary will greatly benefit the people of Kisii by enabling many disputes to be resolved more quickly and at a lower cost through Alternative Justice Systems.”
The Governor noted that many minor disputes remain unresolved because of lengthy court processes, yet they can be effectively handled through Alternative Justice Systems.
He directed county officers to work closely with AJS officers to educate and empower residents on the benefits of the new justice framework.
Justice Through Dialogue
Chairperson of the National Steering Committee on the Implementation of Alternative Justice Systems, Justice Prof. Joel Ngugi, said justice begins when people choose dialogue instead of confrontation.
“Justice begins the moment people choose conversation over confrontation, listening over shouting, and reconciliation over revenge.”
He said the Kisii County AJS Model creates an entire justice ecosystem by bringing together communities, traditional leaders and institutions to resolve disputes peacefully instead of relying solely on the courts.
Sustaining Community-Based Justice
Chief Registrar of the Judiciary Winfridah Mokaya emphasized that Alternative Justice Systems are not merely constitutional requirements but long-term investments in peaceful communities.
She thanked the Kisii County Government for partnering with the Judiciary in developing community-based justice solutions, saying the initiative should remain a joint effort to ensure its sustainability.
Elders Welcome the Initiative
Representing the Abagusii Council of Elders, Ebby Molly Gwaro said elders view justice as a process of restoring relationships, dignity and community harmony rather than simply determining who is right or wrong.
She said traditional justice systems must continue evolving to align with the Constitution, human rights and the principles of fairness, equality and inclusivity.
The Alternative Justice Systems programme has been implemented through a partnership between the Judiciary, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the European Union under the Digital Land Governance Programme, with the aim of expanding access to justice and strengthening community-led conflict resolution across Kenya.
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