Chief Justice Martha K. Koome, 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-centred dispute resolution.

Speaking during the event, the Chief Justice said the initiative reinforces the Judiciary’s commitment to implementing Article 159 of the Constitution by promoting Alternative Justice Systems as complementary pathways 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,” she said.

Justice Koome emphasized that Alternative Justice Systems complement rather than replace the formal court system by enabling suitable disputes to be resolved through dialogue, mediation and reconciliation. She noted that the approach reduces the cost and time of resolving disputes, preserves relationships, strengthens community cohesion and allows courts to focus on matters requiring judicial determination.

The Chief Justice said the Kisii County Action Plan was informed by a county justice needs assessment that identified land disputes as the leading source of conflict, followed by succession, family and boundary disputes. The assessment also found that the high cost of litigation, procedural complexity, long distances to courts and delays in case resolution remain major barriers to justice, while community-based dispute resolution mechanisms continue to enjoy significant public trust.

She noted that Kisii County’s unique social and historical circumstances require localized justice solutions tailored to the needs of its 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 said the Kisii County AJS Model establishes a coordinated framework that brings together community institutions, state agencies and the Judiciary to improve collaboration in resolving disputes. She added that 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 actors.

The Chief Justice emphasized that all Alternative Justice Systems must uphold human dignity, equality, inclusivity and the rights of every person. She welcomed the integration of constitutional safeguards within the Kisii County Action Plan, saying it successfully balances traditional dispute resolution mechanisms with Kenya’s constitutional values and human rights standards.

She 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 contributing to improved service delivery.

Justice Koome reaffirmed the Judiciary’s commitment to working 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 for leading the rollout of county-specific Action Plans, and thanked the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) for its continued support in advancing Alternative Justice Systems in Kenya.

The launch advances the Judiciary’s Social Transformation through Access to Justice (STAJ) blueprint, which promotes a multi-door approach to justice and seeks to ensure that every Kenyan has access to timely, affordable and people-centred justice.