Justice Ngugi advocates for change in the way justice is measured
News Release. Embu. Tuesday, June 16, 2026. Justice Ngugi advocates for change in the way justice is measured
Justice Joel Ngugi has called for a fundamental shift in measuring justice, noting that for too long, justice institutions have assessed success using narrow metrics.
Speaking during a national forum on Alternative Justice Systems in Kenya held in Embu themed “Data-Driven Pathways for People-Centered Justice“, the judge emphasized the need to move beyond simply counting cases and instead focus on measuring justice outcomes and their impact on people’s lives.
“Justice is not only about determining who is right and who is wrong. Sometimes it is about restoring relationships, healing, restoring dignity and ensuring that tomorrow’s conflict does not happen,” said Justice Ngugi who is a Judge of Appeal and Chairperson of the National Steering Committee on the Implementation of AJS.
Speaking during the same forum, Embu County Governor Cecily Mbarire said the county firmly believes that Alternative Justice Systems (AJS) play a vital role in fostering peaceful coexistence and resolving disputes in ways that preserve relationships and strengthen community bonds.
She noted that through collaboration with stakeholders, the county continues to support initiatives that promote mediation, dialogue, reconciliation, and restorative justice.
“Our administration recognizes the important role played by community structures in conflict resolution. We have continued to engage councils of elders, religious leaders, village administrators, and local leaders in addressing disputes and promoting harmony within our communities. These efforts complement the formal justice system while enhancing access to justice at the grassroots level,” said Governor Mbarire.
Narok County Governor Patrick Ole Ntutu, who also spoke at the forum, said that unlike courts, which often produce winners and losers, AJS focuses on reconciliation and long-term peace.
He observed that justice needs are overwhelmingly local and stressed that the success of the AJS Policy depends on strong partnerships between county governments and the Judiciary.
“We need county governments to partner with the Judiciary to resource and establish AJS suites and Social Justice Centres, and call upon the National Assembly to allocate a special budget each year for implementation of AJS. Investing in community mediation is a direct investment in the peace, stability, and economic development of our counties,” said Governor Ole Ntutu.
He further urged stakeholders and Kenyans to stop treating AJS as a secondary option.
“The data has spoken. Let us use data-driven insights to build a Kenya where justice is not a place you visit, but a value you experience right at home,” he said.
