The County Government of Trans Nzoia, through the Department of Lands, Physical Planning, Housing and Urban Development, has initiated a five-day sensitization campaign on the Alternative Justice System (AJS) across its sub-counties.

The programme, funded by the European Union (EU) and implemented by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), seeks to empower communities with tools for resolving disputes in a faster, affordable, and accessible manner, while easing pressure on formal courts.

Speaking during the launch at Kwanza Sub-County on Monday, CEC Phanice Khatundi lauded the initiative, terming it “a timely intervention”.

“There are very many cases that have overstayed in the courts, yet they can be resolved quickly through AJS. This system will help our people get justice without delay,” she said.

Khatundi further acknowledged the Judiciary’s role in embracing AJS within the formal justice system, noting that it empowers communities to settle disputes amicably outside the courtroom.

Her sentiments were echoed by Beatrice Wangila, the County Director of Physical Planning, who emphasized the revival of traditional dispute resolution methods.

“This initiative is about bringing back our own ways of solving issues. After the sensitization, we shall roll out AJS teams in all sub-counties. Kiminini and Cherangani have already piloted and established theirs,” Wangila noted.

During the sensitization, the County Solicitor and County Assembly Legal Officer outlined the scope of AJS, stressing that it covers civil matters such as land disputes, marital conflicts, and boundary disagreements—but excludes criminal cases, sexual offences, and murder.

They also explained the structure of an AJS committee, comprising eight members: a chairperson, commissioners, adjudicators, and community representatives.

Facilitator Diana Wabwile encouraged residents to embrace the system:

“AJS is the way forward. Let us own it and use it to resolve our issues as a community,” she urged.

The launch was graced by Kwanza MP Ferdinand Kevin Wanyonyi, who applauded the initiative, saying it will help reduce the backlog of unresolved court cases and provide timely justice to the people.

The sensitization forums will culminate in the formation of AJS committees in all sub-counties, reinforcing Trans Nzoia’s commitment to accessible, community-driven justice.

Key Highlights ✨

• 🌍 Coverage: Five-day sensitization campaign across all sub-counties.
  
• 🤝 Partners: Funded by the EU and implemented by FAO, in collaboration with the Judiciary.
  
• ⚖️ Focus: Promotes community-based dispute resolution for civil matters.
  
• 🕒 Benefits: Faster, affordable, and accessible justice at the grassroots.
  
• 👥 Structure: AJS committees to include chairperson, commissioners, adjudicators, and community representatives.
  
• 📌 Impact: Reduces backlog of cases in formal courts, while reviving traditional dispute resolution mechanisms.