Chief Justice Martha Koome has called on Kenyans to embrace Court-Annexed Mediation and Alternative Justice to resolve disputes.
Koome, on Tuesday, launched the Alternative Justice Systems (AJS) ‘Ukumbi’ Suite at the Mpeketoni Law Courts.
CJ Koome said it will offer access to justice for all especially vulnerable groups.
She said that the judiciary is widening the doorways of justice by increasing avenues of accessing justice through specialised courts, Court Annexed Mediation, and Alternative Justice Systems.
"Alternative Dispute Resolution is a powerful tool in our quest to promote access to justice. We must embrace Court-Annexed Mediation and Alternative Justice Systems as a means of resolving disputes amicably and efficiently," she said.
Koome noted that there has been a spike in land disputes within Lamu in recent years.
She said the judiciary endeavours to work with the Lamu County Government to build a High Court that will include space for an Environment and Land Court.
"We are also committed to posting an ELC Judge once we have set up the new High Court building. In the meantime, let us make use of AJS and Court Annexed Mediation in addition to the Court system to resolve some of these land disputes," she said.
She said the judiciary will set up a specialised Children’s Court and Sexual Gender Based Violence court in Lamu to help in access to justice.
"I urge all stakeholders in the justice sector in Lamu County to work together under the umbrella of the Court Users Committee to address any bottlenecks and enhance access to justice in the region," CJ Koome added.
"It is through our collective efforts that we can ensure a fair and just society for the people of Lamu. We must remain committed to our shared vision of a justice system that serves all citizens equitably, fostering peace, stability and prosperity for the people of Lamu."