Governor George Natembeya has called on residents to adopt traditional dispute resolution methods to alleviate the overwhelming caseload in formal courts. Speaking at the launch of the county’s Alternative Justice Systems Action Plan on Monday at the Kitale Law Courts, the governor emphasized that this initiative will expedite the resolution of disputes. 

“We have established Alternative Justice System centers in Saboti, Kiminini, and Cherang’any constituencies,” Natembeya announced. He urged elders to serve as custodians of national values, bridging the gap between traditional wisdom and modern challenges.

Supreme Court Judge Prof. Smokin Wanjala supported the initiative, highlighting the need for alternative dispute resolution mechanisms. “Many cases remain unresolved in courts for over 30 years,” Prof. Wanjala noted, emphasizing 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 and announced free training for lawyers on the new system. Both officials warned against corruption within the alternative justice system, stressing the importance of integrity and fairness.

Governor Natembeya’s call to action aims to provide residents with more accessible, affordable, and efficient means of resolving disputes, ultimately enhancing the justice system in Trans Nzoia County.