The Kenyan Judiciary has emphasized the critical role of Alternative Justice Systems (AJS) in complementing the formal court process by providing quicker and more cost-effective dispute resolution.
Chief Registrar Winfridah Mokaya, in a statement released on August 3, 2026, highlighted that AJS not only alleviates the burden on courts but also fosters reconciliation and strengthens community bonds.
Benefits of Alternative Justice Systems
- Faster resolution of disputes compared to formal litigation
- Reduced costs for parties involved
- Decongestion of magistrates’ and High Courts
- Rebuilding of families and neighbourhood relationships
- Enhanced social cohesion within communities
Mokaya noted that every shilling invested in AJS translates into significant savings in time and litigation expenses, while simultaneously delivering improved value for public resources.
Judiciary’s Commitment to Community Justice
The Judiciary plans to continue expanding community-based justice mechanisms alongside investments in court infrastructure and technology. This approach aims to bring justice closer to Kenyan citizens and reduce delays in court proceedings.
The initiative gained traction in June 2024 when Chief Justice Martha Koome inaugurated Africa’s first Alternative Justice Centre at Imani Mall, Nakuru. The centre offers mediation, arbitration, conciliation, and other culturally grounded dispute resolution methods.
At the time of the launch, over 520,000 cases were pending in magistrates’ courts and the High Court, with many unresolved for more than three years. The Judiciary maintains that scaling up AJS is essential to delivering timely, affordable, and people-centred justice while preserving community harmony.
