FIRST AUTONOMOUS ALTERNATIVE JUSTICE SYSTEMS CENTRE IN AFRICA LAUNCHED

Kenya’s Chief Justice Martha Koome has launched the first autonomous Alternative Justice Systems (AJS) Centre in Africa in Nakuru County. The Centre domiciled at Imani Mall is a collaboration of the Nakuru Christian Leaders Platform, the Nakuru County Government and the Judiciary.

Koome said the AJS Centre Is the first of its kind in the entire region and an innovation that will be immensely useful to the communities in Nakuru County. The Chief Justice noted that the establishment of the centre was a testament to the success of the Social Transformation through Access to Justiceblueprint . This, she noted, is a recognition that mediation and reconciliation processes, including those conducted within the alternative justice mechanisms, are central for the resolution of disputes given that they are collaborative processes that foster long-term relationships.

“This AJS Centre will contribute to the creation of a just social order, prioritise reconciliation and foster peaceful co-existence in our communities”. Said Justice Koome

Visiting Deputy Chief Justice of Uganda, Justice Richard Buteera, lauded Kenya for promoting AJS and making key milestones towards its implementation. He observed that both the Constitutions of Kenya and Uganda highlight the need for justice to take into account the views, values and feelings of the people.