Eldoret:The judiciary has initiated the nationwide Alternative Justice Systems (AJS) Service Week, scheduled from October 26 to October 28, 2026. This event was held at the Eldoret High Court grounds in Uasin Gishu and was presided over by Justice Charles Yano, the Lands and Environment Court judge for the area.
According to Kenya News Agency, the ceremony attracted a diverse group of stakeholders, including members of the clergy, the Kalenjin Council of Elders, civil society organizations, paralegal officers, the Uasin Gishu AJS Committee, and officials from the Judiciary. The event, themed ‘Culture and Innovation in Accelerating Social Transformation through Access to Justice,’ was praised for promoting community-based conflict resolution.
Justice Yano emphasized that AJS is a constitutional provision under Article 159(2)(c) of the 2010 Constitution, intended to offer an alternative to traditional court systems that suffer from backlogs and a shortage of judges. He noted that AJS allows disputes to be resolved amicably through a win-win strategy, unlike formal court proceedings where one party wins and another loses.
Justice Yano also mentioned that AJS has led to a reduction in court backlogs and improved relationships within the community, as parties mutually agree on AJS rulings. He acknowledged initial resistance to the system but highlighted its growing acceptance, particularly in land succession disputes, which often face lengthy delays in traditional courts.
High Court Judge Martha Mutuku lauded AJS on its 10-year anniversary, noting its role in expediting case resolutions and reducing costs and time. She clarified that while AJS handles a broad range of disputes, it is limited in cases involving children’s rights and gender-based violence.
Daniel Kiptoo, a lawyer and AJS mediator, pointed out that the system has effectively expedited longstanding disputes, such as property succession cases dating back to the 1980s, and noted that mediation settlements can be converted into court orders.
Oscar Oduor, Chairperson of the North Rift Law Society of Kenya, affirmed AJS as a constitutionally supported framework that is vital for reducing case backlogs, especially land disputes in Uasin Gishu, emphasizing its importance in maintaining historical land ownership ties.
