MAKUENI COUNTY PARTNERS WITH JUDICIARY TO ROLL OUT ALTERNATIVE JUSTICE SYSTEM.
In a significant move to enhance access to justice at the grassroots level, Makueni County has announced a strategic partnership with the Judiciary to establish an Alternative Justice System (AJS). This initiative aims at streamlining justice delivery through culturally grounded and community-led mechanisms that complement formal court processes.
Speaking on Thursday when she paid courtesy call on Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr. in his office, Lady Justice Mumbua Matheka, Judge of the High Court, emphasized the urgent need for a structured Alternative Justice System to address the root causes of injustice and ensure timely dispute resolution.
She said AJS will be established in every sub-county and that the teams will include local national Government administrators, county grassroots officers, religious leaders, opinion leaders, elders, and representatives from the Court Users Committee (CUC) and undergo specialized training in legal and traditional dispute resolution skills.
Justice Matheka referenced a national survey revealing that only 17% of disputes in Kenya reach formal courts. A significant 67% are resolved informally within communities, while 16% are abandoned altogether. She said this shows the need for a more inclusive justice system that recognizes the important role of traditional dispute resolution.
Governor Mutula welcomed the initiative, expressing full support for the judiciary’s efforts to bring justice closer to the people.
Also present at the meeting were High Court Judge, Justice Elijah Obaga, Chief Magistrate P. N. Gesora, Resident Magistrate, F.C. Ngetich, Senior Resident Magistrate, M. Mutua, and CECM, Finance Damaris Kavoi.





