Kajiado: The National Land Commission (NLC) has urged residents of Kajiado County to embrace Alternative Justice Systems (AJS) and Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) mechanisms in resolving land disputes. Speaking in Kajiado Town, Commissioner Tiyah Galgalo said the AJS and ADR frameworks have proved effective in addressing land-related conflicts in the county.
According to Kenya News Agency, Galgalo disclosed that out of 1,864 land dispute cases recorded over the past ten years, 1,066 have so far been successfully resolved through the alternative mechanisms. She noted that the approach has significantly reduced the time and costs associated with lengthy court processes while promoting amicable settlements and peaceful coexistence among residents.
Commissioner Galgalo encouraged locals to consider Alternative Dispute Resolution instead of resorting to court proceedings, which can be lengthy and costly. She highlighted that many disputes center on leasehold titles, including issues related to renewal, expiry, and ownership transitions. The Commission plans to conduct visits across counties to assess land-related concerns and engage stakeholders to streamline processes and prevent future conflicts.
Galgalo emphasized the impact of land disputes on social cohesion, noting the sensitivity of land matters as they affect livelihoods, inheritance, and ownership rights. Kajiado County Commissioner Michael Yator assured the National Government Administration’s support in resolving land issues in the county. He stated that the local administration will continue collaborating with relevant agencies and community leaders to ensure disputes are addressed promptly and amicably.
Commissioner Yator added that public schools, institutions, and government offices would be issued with title deeds to secure their land from encroachment. He noted that securing public land documentation will safeguard critical facilities and enhance service delivery while promoting peaceful coexistence among residents.
