Deputy Chief Justice Philomena Mwilu has emphasized the importance of Alternative Justice Systems (AJS) in expanding access to justice, fostering social cohesion, and supporting economic development within Kenya's counties.
Speaking during the launch of the Kericho County Alternative Justice Systems County Action Plan, a statement read on her behalf by Justice Joel Ngugi, chairperson of the National Steering Committee on AJS implementation, Mwilu stressed that justice solutions must be community-centered, reflecting the unique needs and circumstances of local populations.
She explained that AJS complements the objectives of devolution by bringing justice closer to where people live and work, much like how devolved governance seeks to redistribute power and enhance public service delivery. According to Mwilu, effective dispute resolution mechanisms are vital for county development, as unresolved conflicts can hinder investment, disrupt agriculture, and fracture community relations.
Kericho's agricultural sector illustrates the critical need for accessible dispute resolution, with common conflicts involving land boundaries, succession, grazing rights, water resources, labor, contracts, and family matters. Mwilu noted that a peaceful community is a productive one, highlighting how prompt and fair resolution of disputes enables residents to focus on economic and social progress.
She described AJS as not only a justice initiative but also a peace-building and social cohesion tool that engages trusted elders, community and religious leaders, women, and youth representatives to facilitate dialogue, reconciliation, and consensus-building, thereby preventing conflicts from escalating.
Recognizing that many everyday disputes in Kenya are already settled outside formal courts through traditional means, Mwilu underscored that AJS should complement rather than replace the formal justice system. The Kericho County Action Plan is designed to create a coordinated justice ecosystem involving the judiciary, county government, and other stakeholders to identify local justice needs, improve referral pathways, and build institutional capacity.
This initiative aims to ensure communities have timely access to effective dispute resolution mechanisms, ultimately strengthening public confidence in Kenya's justice system.
