By Contributor
Chief Justice Martha Koome has rooted for deepened partnership between the Judiciary and County Governments in a bid to enhance access to justice.
The CJ was speaking in Isiolo where she launched Isiolo High Court; Alternative Justice Systems Centre and Court Annexed Mediation.
“The Judiciary is keen on collaborating with County governments as partners in a quest to increase the Judiciary’s footprint. I urge us to work together particularly in the area of getting land to be allocated and developing physical infrastructure to house courts in Constituencies that do not have court stations,” CJ said.
We have launched several key justice initiatives in Isiolo County, including the Isiolo High Court, the Isiolo County AJS County Action Plan and Model, the Isiolo AJS Suite, the Code of Conduct for AJS Practitioners, the Guidelines for the Use of the AJS Suite, and the Isiolo… pic.twitter.com/sMo6Ze72YA
— Hon. Justice Martha K. Koome, FCIArb, EGH (@CJMarthaKoome) September 12, 2024
CJ Koome noted that while the Judiciary had cut distances to court in many parts of the country, a number of counties remain underserved.
“The distance from Isiolo to Merti is approximately 200km. There is need to bring courts closer to the people. We serve one people and we ought to partner to enable our people get public services including judicial services.”
Speaking during the same forum, Isiolo County Governor Abdi Ibrahim Hassan committed to allocate Judiciary the required land in Merti and Garbatulla.
Further, the Governor urged the community to make good use of the multiple doorways of justice- Alternative Justice System and the Court Annexed Mediation – launched during the event to access justice.
“The wazee (elders) who conduct AJS are not only found in Isiolo. They are found within our communities and can help our people access justice wherever they are,” Governor Hassan said.
CJ Koome at the same time asked residents of Isiolo to participate actively in Court Users Committees (CUC) to provide feedback to the Judiciary so as to improve access to justice.
The Committees provide a forum for court users to engage directly with the justice system adding that they play a crucial role in identifying and addressing systemic challenges that may hinder the efficient delivery of justice.
The CJ noted that their active participation in these committees is invaluable since it ensures a system that is responsive to their needs, and a Judiciary that is continuously evolving to better serve the Kenyan people.
“I encourage you to leverage these platforms. Participate vibrantly in your local CUCs, provide your insights, share your concerns, and contribute to the shaping of a justice system that is truly reflective of your justice needs and responds to your aspirations and expectations,” Justice Koome said.
The CJ urged the people of Isiolo to embrace Alternative Justice Systems saying they draw from the traditional justice systems that have been known to communities for generations.
“Resolving disputes through AJS, addresses the root causes of conflict and ensure long-lasting peace. AJS promotes reconciliation, fosters social harmony, and encourages peaceful co-existence within our communities,” she observed.
The Chief Justice said that with the launch of the Court Annexed Mediation Centre, the Judiciary was affirming mediation as a credible and effective means of dispute resolution and encouraged the residents to embrace it.
Speaking during the same forum, Court of Appeal Judge Aggrey Muchelule, who is a Member of the Court Annexed Mediation (CAM) Taskforce, disclosed that since inception of Court Annexed Mediation 21,209 cases have been resolved with a 92% conclusion rate.
“A total of 1,664 Mediators have been registered. CAM has released Ksh11.5bn into the economy and CAM is now available in 39 out 47 counties,” he added.
The Judicial Service Commission Vice Chair Isaac Rutto who was accompanied by six other Commissioners, said the JSC’s presence at the ceremony underscored its commitment to facilitate access to justice particularly to the underserved in line with the Constitutional mandate of promoting and facilitating the efficient, effective and transparent administration of justice.
“The JSC approved AJS Policy Framework (2020) which aims at formally recognizing and integrating AJS into the national justice system. It also directs allocation and ring-fencing of a seed budget to support operations of AJS,” Commissioner Rutto said.
Commissioner Rutto reiterated the JSC’s commitment to enhancing efficiency by reducing case backlog and improving service delivery.
“To accelerate access of Justice, JSC in the financial year 2023/24 recommended the appointment of 20 persons as Judge of the High Court; appointed 77 Judicial Officers which included the Chief Registrar of the Judiciary, Chief Kadhi, Registrar Automation, 4 Members of Tribunals, and 70 Resident Magistrates and 572 judicial staff across various cadres within the Judiciary,” he said.
