The Judiciary has intensified calls for Kenyans to embrace the Alternative Justice System (AJS) to resolve family, land, and boundary disputes peacefully.
Speaking in Bomet during the commemoration of the Alternative Justice System, Bomet High Court Judge Julius Ng’arng’ar highlighted AJS as an effective pathway to achieving amicable settlements.
”It is only through the Alternative Justice System that parties reach a win-win solution where there is no loser. That is why we strongly encourage our people to embrace it,” said Justice Ng’arng’ar.
Justice Ng’arng’ar revealed that AJS has already successfully resolved six disputes in Bomet County within three months of its rollout by Chief Justice Martha Koome.
An additional 10 disputes are currently undergoing resolution through the system.
Hailing the process as harmonious, swift, and cost-effective, the judge emphasized its advantages over traditional court processes.
”Unlike normal litigation, AJS is free of charge and enables parties to reach a solution in a very short period,” Justice Ng’arng’ar noted.
First initiated a decade ago, the Alternative Justice System has now been launched in 15 counties, with Bomet actively adopting the mechanism.
While encouraging residents to utilize AJS for civil matters such as land, family, and boundary conflicts, Justice Ng’arng’ar cautioned that serious criminal cases remain strictly under the jurisdiction of standard courts.
”While we encourage the use of AJS, please be warned that it is not permitted to handle criminal cases such as defilement or murder,” he warned.
Justice Ng’arng’ar was accompanied by Bomet judicial officers and members of the local AJS steering committee.
Throughout the week, members of the public will have the opportunity to engage with judicial officers and ask questions regarding how to access AJS services.
AJS representative Peter Bii, who is leading the public outreach team, expressed confidence that the initiative will deliver lasting peace while significantly reducing case backlogs across Kenyan courts.
