Trans Nzoia Governor Calls for Embrace of Traditional Justice
Governor George Natembeya has called on residents to adopt traditional dispute resolution methods to reduce the overwhelming caseload in formal courts.
The governor, speaking at the launch of the county’s Alternative Justice Systems Action Plan on Monday at the Kitale Law courts, said the initiative will expedite the resolution of disputes. “We have established Alternative Justice System centers in Saboti, Kiminini, and Cherang’any constituencies,” Natembeya said.
He urged elders to serve as custodians of national values and bridge the gap between traditional wisdom and modern challenges.
Supreme Court Judge Prof Smokin Wanjala supported the initiative, emphasizing the need for alternative dispute resolution mechanisms. “Many cases remain unresolved in courts for over 30 years,” he said.
Prof Wanjala highlighted the differences between the formal justice system, which delivers judgments, and the alternative system, which provides solutions. He noted that the formal system is expensive and inaccessible to most Kenyans, with only 17% seeking justice through courts.
Prof Joel Ngugi, the national chairman of the Alternative Justice System, revealed that lawyers handle only 13% of court cases. He announced free training for lawyers on the new system.
Both officials warned against corruption within the alternative justice system, emphasizing the importance of integrity and fairness.
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