The Principal Judge of the High Court, Eric Ogola, has reaffirmed the Judiciary’s commitment to strengthening mediation as a key pathway to accessible, efficient and people-centred justice in Kenya.

Speaking during the National Mediation Open Day at Kibera Law Courts, Justice Ogola underscored the growing importance of mediation in resolving disputes, particularly those involving families, where preserving relationships is often as important as settling the legal issues at hand.

The event brought together judges, judicial officers, members of the Bar, accredited mediators, representatives from the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, the Office of the Attorney General, and members of the Court Users Committee.

Justice Ogola noted that the theme of this year’s event, “Bridging Divides: The Role of Mediation in Family Disputes,” reflects the need for dispute resolution processes that prioritize dialogue, understanding and mutually acceptable outcomes. He emphasized that while traditional litigation can sometimes intensify conflict, mediation provides a constructive platform where parties can resolve disputes in a collaborative and less adversarial manner.

He highlighted that the Constitution recognizes the family as the natural and fundamental unit of society and calls for its protection. Mediation, he noted, provides a process that supports reconciliation and strengthens family relationships, particularly in disputes involving sensitive and personal issues.

Justice Ogola also observed that mediation aligns with Kenya’s long-standing tradition of community-based dispute resolution, where elders and community leaders historically guided parties toward reconciliation. Modern mediation, he explained, builds on these traditions while ensuring that all processes comply with constitutional protections and the rule of law.

The Principal Judge commended the Steering Committee on Court-Annexed Mediation, chaired by Court of Appeal judge Aggrey Muchelule, for its leadership in institutionalizing mediation within the justice system. Through these efforts, mediation has become an integral component of the Judiciary’s strategy to enhance access to justice and reduce case backlog.

According to the Judiciary, between 2016 and 2025 a total of 35,731 cases were referred to mediation across the country, demonstrating the growing adoption of the mechanism as an effective and responsive approach to dispute resolution.

Justice Ogola further noted that the introduction of the Family Mediation Guidelines in November 2024 strengthened the framework for resolving family disputes through mediation. He also announced that the National Mediation Service Week will be observed in courts across the country from March 9 to March 13, 2026, to raise public awareness about the benefits of mediation.

The Mediation Service Week will precede the 4th Annual Mediation Summit on Family Disputes, scheduled to take place from April 15 to April 17, 2026 at Strathmore University.

Justice Ogola encouraged families to consider private mediation as a proactive step in resolving disputes before they reach the courts, noting that early resolution empowers parties to shape their own outcomes.

He urged judicial officers, advocates, mediators and court users to work collaboratively to deepen public trust in mediation, describing it as an essential tool for strengthening social harmony and delivering fair, inclusive justice.

Others who addressed the gathering were, Court of Appeal judge Aggrey Muchelule who is the chairperson of the Steering Committee on Court-Annexed Mediation, Kibera High Court judge Diana Kavedza and Kibera Law Courts Head of Sation Stella Atambo among others.

The Principal Judge officially declared the 2026 Mediation Service Week open, reaffirming the Judiciary’s commitment to promoting mediation as a pathway to justice, reconciliation and social transformation.