Narok County Expands Access to Justice through Alternative Dispute Resolution
Narok, 21 November 2024 – The Judiciary has launched Alternative Justice Systems (AJS) and Court-Annexed Mediation (CAM) initiatives in Narok County to enhance access to justice and promote people-centered dispute resolution.
The programs aim to bring judicial services closer to residents, reduce the cost and time of resolving disputes, and improve access to justice across the county. Narok faces unique challenges due to its expansive settlements and diverse communities, making alternative dispute resolution mechanisms vital.
The Court-Annexed Mediation (CAM) programme, operational since 2016, has resolved over 21,000 cases nationwide, unlocking approximately Ksh61.1 billion into the economy. The initiative promotes amicable resolutions in business and family disputes, reducing litigation costs and delays.
Additionally, the Judiciary introduced Family and Private Mediation Guidelines and the Narok AJS County Action Plan, recognizing the value of culturally rooted dispute resolution mechanisms. The AJS model incorporates elders and community practitioners to handle land disputes, petty offences, intercommunity conflicts, and boundary issues, while directing sensitive cases, such as child defilement, to formal courts.
County leaders have pledged support for the initiative, emphasizing that traditional justice mechanisms focus on restoring rights rather than punishing offenders, ensuring equitable, timely, and cost-effective dispute resolution for all residents of Narok County.